The investigation into the disappearance of an Arizona woman connected to a well-known television host continues as authorities follow new leads and examine forensic evidence. Police recently clarified that a pair of gloves discovered during the investigation are unrelated to the case, though detectives say the search remains active and far from a cold case.
Gloves Found in Investigation Not Linked to Case
Authorities said a pair of black gloves discovered during the search were initially considered potential evidence.
However, Chris Nanos of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed investigators tracked down the owner of the gloves and determined they have no connection to the disappearance.
According to Nanos, investigators found that the gloves belonged to someone working at a restaurant located across the street from where the gloves were discovered.
The sheriff said early speculation suggesting the gloves were discarded by police officers was incorrect.
Search Continues for Missing Tucson Woman
The missing person case involves Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie.
Nancy Guthrie disappeared on February 1 from her home in the foothills of Tucson.
Authorities believe the case may involve a kidnapping, though no suspects have been publicly identified.
Investigators found the gloves about two miles from Guthrie’s residence, but they have now ruled them unrelated to the case.
DNA Evidence Still Being Examined
Despite ruling out the gloves, investigators continue examining DNA evidence linked to the disappearance.
Sheriff Nanos said a separate pair of gloves has been sent to a laboratory in Florida for further analysis.
The investigation has been complicated because the DNA evidence includes mixed samples, which can be difficult to separate and identify.
Officials hope advanced forensic testing will help clarify whether the DNA belongs to someone connected to the case.
Authorities Believe Guthrie May Still Be Alive
More than a month after the disappearance, investigators say they are still operating under the assumption that Nancy Guthrie is alive.
The investigation has been ongoing for over 30 days and is now being handled by a task force that includes:
- The Pima County Sheriff’s Department
- Agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation
Sheriff Nanos said investigators believe they are getting closer to solving the case.
Digital Evidence and Surveillance Reviewed
Authorities are using several types of digital evidence to track possible leads.
Investigators are reviewing:
- Doorbell camera footage from Guthrie’s home
- Ring camera recordings from nearby neighbors
- Traffic camera footage from surrounding streets
Police have also examined purchase data from local stores such as Walmart to determine whether a backpack seen on surveillance footage could be traced to a buyer.
Early reviews suggest the backpack may have been purchased from another retailer.
Two People Previously Detained Speak Out
During the investigation, authorities briefly detained two individuals for questioning.
One of them, Luke Daley, later told reporters that he and his mother were detained on February 13 but were later released.
Daley said investigators did not explain why they were questioned.
Police have not said whether those individuals remain part of the investigation.
Former FBI Agent Calls Case “Red-Hot”
Despite public concern that the case might be slowing down, investigators say the opposite is true.
Former Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent Jennifer Coffindaffer described the investigation as “red-hot,” saying as many as 100 investigators and analysts are working on the case.
Authorities say they continue to pursue every credible lead.
Family Pleads for Help
Savannah Guthrie and her sister recently visited a memorial created outside their mother’s home, where neighbors left flowers and messages of support.
In a social media post, the television host thanked the community for its prayers and support while asking people to continue sharing information that might help locate her mother.
Reward Offered for Information
The Guthrie family has announced a reward of up to $1 million for information that leads to Nancy Guthrie’s safe return.
This is in addition to approximately $200,000 in rewards offered by state and federal authorities.
Investigators are urging anyone with information or relevant video footage to contact law enforcement.
