Investigators in Arizona say they have cleared Savannah Guthrie’s relatives as potential suspects in the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, after days of online speculation pushed the case into a national spotlight. Chris Nanos, the sheriff leading the investigation, said “all siblings and spouses” have been ruled out and called claims to the contrary “cruel,” urging coverage that treats the family as victims.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, went missing after she was dropped off at her home in Catalina Foothills near Tucson on Jan. 31 and failed to show up the next morning, authorities said. Investigators have treated the case as a kidnapping since early evidence suggested she did not leave voluntarily: officials have said key personal items remained at the house and they found blood at the residence. Law enforcement has also released images and video showing a masked, gloved person outside the home during the early hours of Feb. 1.
A major forensic lead now centers on a glove recovered about two miles from the home. Officials say the glove appears consistent with what the masked person wore on the doorbell footage, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has described preliminary results pointing to an unknown male DNA profile that investigators intend to upload to CODIS after final quality checks.
Detectives have also turned to a consumer clue: authorities say the suspect carried an “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack,” a backpack line sold through Walmart, and investigators are working with the company to chase down possible purchase records and other leads. The FBI is offering up to $50,000 for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest and conviction of those responsible, and it has asked tipsters to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit information online.
Authorities have acknowledged alleged ransom notes sent to media outlets, while emphasizing that the investigation will follow verifiable evidence. Savannah Guthrie has posted a public appeal urging anyone with knowledge of her mother’s whereabouts to come forward.
