Big Break in Guthrie Case as Suspect’s Clothing is Traced to Walmart

Federal, state, and local investigators are zeroing in on a critical lead in the abduction of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, as authorities reveal that key items worn by the masked suspect were likely purchased at Walmart — a discovery officials describe as one of the most promising developments yet.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed to CBS News that detectives believe the clothing and face covering seen in the widely circulated doorbell surveillance footage were sold by the retail chain. Most notably, the suspect’s black Ozark Trail Hiker backpack — prominently visible in the footage — is an item sold exclusively through Walmart.

Investigators are now working to pinpoint the precise brands tied to the clothing and determine whether the items were purchased online or at a brick-and-mortar location. Authorities are examining Walmart surveillance footage in Arizona and potentially beyond as they attempt to trace the buyer.

According to CBS News, Walmart has turned over transaction records related to recent Ozark Trail Hiker backpack purchases, including both in-store and online sales in Tucson and surrounding communities. A spokesperson for the company declined to comment publicly on the active investigation.

Backpack Becomes Central Evidence

The backpack has emerged as a key piece of evidence as the search for Guthrie stretches into its third week.

Guthrie — the mother of Savannah Guthrie — was abducted from her Catalina Foothills home near Tucson during the early morning hours of February 1. Authorities reported signs of forced entry and the presence of blood evidence inside the residence, underscoring the severity of the crime.

Federal investigators have also focused on the suspect’s face mask. Although it appears lighter in the doorbell footage, authorities believe the effect is due to infrared imaging from a Nest camera and that the mask itself is black.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has released still images of the suspect, describing him as a male of average build, approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall.

DNA Evidence Could Be a Breakthrough

In a potentially pivotal development, the FBI confirmed over the weekend that a black glove recovered near Guthrie’s home appears consistent with gloves worn by the suspect in the surveillance video.

Preliminary DNA analysis conducted Saturday identified an unknown male profile. After quality control procedures are finalized, the DNA profile is expected to be uploaded into CODIS — the FBI’s national DNA database — which could generate a match if the individual has prior entries in the system.

Additional DNA samples have been collected from the property, though Sheriff Nanos acknowledged that none have yet definitively identified a suspect.

Law enforcement presence intensified late last week when multiple agencies executed a search warrant at a residence less than two miles from Guthrie’s home. The operation extended for several hours Friday evening.

Nanos told CBS affiliate KOLD that the search stemmed from “a lead that led to a search warrant and no arrest.” Authorities have not disclosed what triggered the warrant or whether evidence was recovered.

President Trump Issues Warning

President Donald J. Trump addressed the case Monday, delivering a forceful message to those responsible for the abduction.

Trump warned that the abductors must release Nancy Guthrie unharmed or face the “most severe” federal penalties.

In a brief phone interview, the president stated that if Guthrie is found dead, he would want the Justice Department to pursue capital punishment.

Asked directly whether that meant seeking the death penalty, Trump responded, “The most, yeah — that’s true.”

The president also addressed questions about jurisdiction, explaining why the Pima County Sheriff’s Department remains the lead investigative authority rather than federal agencies.

“They didn’t want to let go of it, which is fine. It’s up to them. It’s really up to the communities,” the president said.

As investigators comb through retail transaction records, security footage, forensic findings, and public tips, authorities are urging anyone with information — particularly regarding recent purchases of the Ozark Trail Hiker backpack or similar attire — to contact law enforcement immediately.

With DNA evidence pending database review and retail tracking underway, officials hope the tightening net of evidence will soon identify the individual captured in the chilling doorbell footage.

The case has gripped the nation, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing threats facing American communities — and the critical importance of law enforcement coordination in bringing criminals to justice.