The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of well-known “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, is still ongoing, with a potential significant development recently announced by the FBI. The agency revealed on Sunday, February 15, that a glove found near Nancy’s residence appears to match the glove worn by the masked suspect captured on the doorbell camera footage at her home.
The FBI stated that the glove was discovered approximately two miles from Nancy’s home and has been sent for DNA testing to determine the possible identity of the suspect. Preliminary test results were received by the FBI on Saturday, and official confirmation is currently awaited.
Once DNA evidence is obtained, investigators will first compare it with DNA in criminal databases to determine if it matches any known offenders.
Furthermore, as part of the emerging field of investigative genetic genealogy, law enforcement authorities may also submit this DNA evidence to public-facing third-party DNA comparison platforms. Even if the suspect himself has not used these services, his family members may have. Due to the unique genetic relatedness within families, clues to the suspect’s identity may also be provided through their relatives’ DNA information.
According to Fox News, retired New York City Police Department officer Darrin Porcher stated that the preliminary forensic analysis of DNA extracted from a glove believed to belong to a suspect is a “real breakthrough” in Nancy’s disappearance case and mentioned that DNA profiles could drive the investigation forward.
Aside from DNA testing, if it is confirmed that the found glove belongs to the suspect, the location where the glove was discovered could be one of the most crucial clues to date, potentially revealing the suspect’s movements after kidnapping Nancy.
84-year-old Nancy went missing from her home in Arizona approximately two weeks ago. Authorities found traces of her blood on the front porch of her residence. Ransom notes were sent to Arizona media, but the deadlines for the two ransom payments have passed.
Video footage captured by Nancy’s doorbell camera shows a masked man wearing a backpack and gloves approaching Nancy’s doorstep while attempting to obscure the camera. The FBI has identified this individual as a suspect in Nancy’s disappearance case.
Additionally, the FBI stated that investigators found around 16 gloves at various locations near Nancy’s home, with most of them being gloves discarded by search teams.