UPDATE: Bloodied items discovered in the Arizona desert have intensified the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, who vanished from her Tucson-area home on January 31, 2026. As the investigation enters its third week, authorities are racing against time to uncover the truth behind her disappearance.
Authorities believe Nancy may have been forcibly taken, with evidence of violence emerging. Blood drops confirmed as hers via DNA were found on her porch tile, along with her missing doorbell camera and personal items like her phone, wallet, medication, and vehicle keys. Surveillance footage captured a masked suspect near her home that night, but no ransom notes have surfaced.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, aided by the FBI, is investigating the case with urgency, as concerns mount over Nancy’s health—she requires medication and has no cognitive issues. Former President Donald Trump has also promised severe federal penalties if she is found deceased.
Bloodied Items Raise Hopes of Breakthrough
On February 11, 2026, a couple hiking near Campbell Avenue, approximately one mile from Guthrie’s home, stumbled upon two black gloves—torn and blood-stained—and a rock with dried blood, located just 10 feet apart. Alarmed by the ongoing investigation, they immediately reported their findings to authorities.
Deputies processed the scene until the early hours of the morning, collecting the items for DNA testing. The gloves resemble those worn by the suspect in the surveillance footage and have been linked to other gloves found nearby. An FBI agent was seen retrieving a similar glove just 1.5 miles from Guthrie’s home.
Investigation Progress and Community Response
Authorities report that over 40,000 tips have poured in from the public, assisting the FBI and sheriff’s department. However, DNA analysis from the gloves submitted to the CODIS national database yielded no matches, differing from the DNA collected from her home. Investigators are now pursuing further analysis, including investigative genetic genealogy.
Additionally, the gloves found belong to a 25-liter Ark Trailiker Pack, which is sold exclusively at Walmart. Investigators are collaborating with Walmart to trace purchase records linked to the suspect.
As the search continues, the investigation has expanded to cover Guthrie’s home, garage, and the surrounding desert. Sheriff Nanos remains optimistic, stating, “We’ll find her—ten days, months, or worse,” despite signs of struggle.
What’s Next for the Investigation
As of February 21, 2026, the 21st day since Nancy’s disappearance, the discovery of bloodied items offers a glimmer of hope for breakthroughs. However, the stalled DNA leads prolong the anguish for her family and the community. With ongoing efforts from multiple agencies and a surge of public tips, resolution may hinge on genealogy matches or Walmart data.
Nancy’s family is urging the public to continue sharing tips, emphasizing that justice demands persistence amid grim indicators. The emotional toll on the family and the community is palpable, as they hold onto hope for a safe return.
This urgent case highlights the importance of community involvement and the relentless pursuit of justice in the face of uncertainty. As investigators work tirelessly, the search for Nancy Guthrie remains a top priority.
