TUCSON, Ariz. — Authorities investigating the abduction of Nancy Guthrie have turned to forensic specialists in Florida to pursue fresh DNA leads as the case approaches the nine-month mark, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced Friday.
Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson on Feb. 1. Sheriff Chris Nanos stated on social media that the multi-agency task force handling the probe continues to explore scientific avenues to break the case open, the New York Post reported.
New push for forensic evidence
According to a statement released by the sheriff’s department on X, detectives traveled out of state earlier in October to consult directly with laboratory technicians. The goal was to determine whether sophisticated testing could extract additional forensic clues from physical evidence gathered during the investigation.
“Earlier this month, investigators traveled to Florida to meet with lab scientists to see what more could be done to advance this case,” Nanos said in the statement, which was also reported by The Mirror US. “A number of ideas were discussed, and we continue to work with all our partners to solve this case.”
Sheriff’s officials emphasized that community assistance remains vital to finding Guthrie and identifying whoever took her. “No tip is too small,” the department said. “Even the smallest piece of information could be critical to this investigation.”
Ransom demands and security footage
Guthrie was last seen on the evening of Jan. 31 after being driven home by a family member, Fox News reported. Investigators concluded early on that she did not depart voluntarily, with Nanos confirming to reporters shortly after she vanished that she had been abducted.
Surveillance images released by the FBI revealed an armed, masked person lurking at Guthrie’s front entrance during the early morning hours of Feb. 1. Data retrieved from household devices showed that her doorbell camera was unplugged at 1:47 a.m., motion sensors were triggered at 2:12 a.m., and her medical pacemaker failed to complete its routine data transmission at 2:28 a.m., according to details published by The Mirror US.
In the months that followed, investigators reviewed multiple communications tied to the abduction:
- A Feb. 2 demand sought $4 million in cryptocurrency, claiming Guthrie was unharmed.
- A Feb. 6 message claimed she had died shortly following her capture.
- A potential ransom text surfaced in late September, but detectives investigated the claim and publicly deemed it not credible, warning the public against opportunistic financial scams.
Federal and local authorities released the initial two ransom notes in late July, asking members of the public whether they recognized the distinct phrasing and handwriting patterns used in the messages.
What happens next
Despite months of searching, the examination of surveillance footage, and the distribution of forensic evidence, law enforcement officials have yet to announce any formal suspects or make any arrests in the kidnapping.
Investigators have not disclosed what specific physical items were taken to Florida or what specialized testing techniques are being evaluated. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI continue to ask anyone with information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit an anonymous report to 520-88-CRIME.
