The authorities on Monday (February 16) revealed that investigators in the case of the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC host Savannah Guthrie, are in negotiations with the management of the retail giant Walmart to track down clues. This is because the backpack carried by the suspect is only sold at this chain store.
Since the family reported the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie from her home in the north of Tucson, Pima County, Arizona on February 1, one of the key evidence found by the authorities is the image of a masked suspect captured by a security camera on her porch. According to the police, the person was carrying a black hiking backpack with a capacity of 25 liters, branded “Ozark Trail”.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said in a text message sent to the Associated Press on Monday that the backpack is currently the only confirmed item involved in the case.
“This particular backpack is an exclusive product of Walmart, and we are collaborating with Walmart management to find further leads,” Nanos said.
However, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office stated in a statement on Monday that the suspect’s clothing “may have been purchased from Walmart, but not exclusively provided by Walmart,” emphasizing that “it’s just a possibility.”
The police department in Pima County also reported another crucial piece of new evidence in an update last Friday, revealing DNA evidence found in Guthrie’s home that did not belong to her or anyone in close contact.
Investigators announced on Sunday that a glove found near Guthrie’s home has been sent to the laboratory for DNA testing. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said they received preliminary forensic analysis results on Saturday and are awaiting formal confirmation.
The search for Guthrie has entered its third week. Despite law enforcement agencies collecting more potential evidence, authorities have not yet identified a suspect.
The FBI also described the physical characteristics of the suspect based on surveillance video analysis last week, identifying the individual as a male, with a height ranging between 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches (approximately 1.75 meters to 1.78 meters) and of medium build.
Due to Guthrie’s daily need for life-sustaining medication, authorities expressed concerns about her health. According to police dispatch recordings released on the website broadcastify.com, Guthrie has a pacemaker and has long struggled with high blood pressure and heart issues.