A significant forensic detail involving DNA blood evidence has emerged in the ongoing search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, according to expert analysis.
Search Intensifies in Tucson Heat
The missing person investigation has now entered its 13th day with law enforcement maintaining a visible and active presence around Guthrie’s home near Tucson, Arizona. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told local media that investigators have positive leads, though Nancy Guthrie’s current location remains unknown.
On Wednesday, FBI agents conducted an extensive search of rugged desert terrain near Guthrie’s residence, carrying water to endure temperatures near 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Investigators also canvassed a neighborhood about a mile from the property, speaking to residents and searching through brush, cacti, and rocky terrain in hopes of uncovering critical evidence.
“I was just asked general questions about anything I might know,” said local resident Ann Adams, who lives near Guthrie’s other daughter. “They looked around the property and then set up cameras.”
Forensic Activity Under a White Tent
On February 12, a large white forensic tent was erected outside Guthrie’s property — a move that typically signals in-depth examination of physical evidence, though officials have not publicly confirmed its specific purpose. Alongside local law enforcement, multiple investigative experts have been involved, some advising authorities directly and others commenting publicly.
Blood Evidence and Expert Interpretation
Investigators previously found blood droplets on the porch and driveway of Guthrie’s home. A black glove was also recovered nearby. DNA testing has confirmed that the blood belongs to Nancy Guthrie, according to authorities.
Forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden analyzed the blood pattern and described a chilling implication of what may have occurred. Dr. Baden explained that the shape of the spots — some with pale centers resembling “donut shapes” — is consistent with blood that has been mixed with air, such as from coughing or a nose or mouth injury.
“Nancy Guthrie was bleeding from either her hands or her face,” Dr. Baden told Fox News. “These patterns suggest that she did not attempt to staunch the bleeding, but instead continued moving from the front door toward her driveway.”
Dr. Baden added that the configuration of the blood is not typical of an innocuous injury that could have been treated or covered, suggesting violence or abduction rather than an accidental fall or nonviolent health incident.
Confirmed Last Sighting and Timeline
According to law enforcement, Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 at her home after being dropped off by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, following dinner with her daughter Annie. When she didn’t join her usual weekly church livestream the next morning, family members reported her missing.
FBI Increases Reward and Releases New Suspect Description
In hopes of generating new leads, the FBI has doubled its reward to up to $100,000 for information that leads to Nancy Guthrie’s safe return or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
Updated video analysis from a doorbell camera at Guthrie’s home has provided law enforcement with a fresh suspect description. The individual seen in the footage is described as a male, approximately 5’9” to 5’10” tall, average build, carrying a black 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack.
“We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving,” an FBI statement said. Since February 1, the agency reports it has collected more than 13,000 tips related to the case. Every lead is being carefully reviewed for credibility, and media organizations are urged to forward relevant information directly to the FBI.
Savannah Guthrie Issues Public Appeal
Savannah Guthrie has made repeated public appeals for help in locating her mother, sharing heartfelt messages and video pleas to encourage anyone with information to come forward.
As the investigation continues, authorities remain committed to uncovering what happened to Nancy Guthrie and bringing clarity to this puzzling disappearance.