Reward In Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Doubles After DNA Fails To Match
The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has entered a new and urgent phase as authorities intensify efforts to bring her home. A reward for information leading to her whereabouts has now climbed to $200,000 after critical DNA evidence failed to yield a match in federal criminal databases.
Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson, Arizona residence on February 1, in what investigators increasingly believe was a targeted abduction carried out under the cover of darkness. Blood discovered on the front steps of her home remains the only confirmed biological evidence directly linked to her at the scene.
In a significant development this week, an anonymous donor boosted the reward to $200,000 for information leading to her location or safe return. That total includes a $100,000 reward offered by the FBI and a separate increase through the 88-CRIME tipline, which raised its portion to $102,500 following a $100,000 anonymous contribution.
Forensic Efforts Hit a Dead End — For Now
Investigators have pursued advanced forensic testing, including genetic genealogy analysis, on DNA recovered from a glove found roughly two miles from the Guthrie residence. The glove reportedly resembled those worn by a masked individual captured on a porch camera the night Nancy disappeared.
Despite these efforts, officials confirmed the DNA did not match any profiles in federal criminal databases — a frustrating setback in a case that has already gripped the nation.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has indicated it may expand its search to additional genealogy databases in hopes of identifying a suspect. Law enforcement agencies in recent years have successfully used such techniques in high-profile cold cases, including decades-old California murders and the killings of four college students in Idaho.
Questions Surround Local Leadership
While the investigation continues, criticism has emerged over how it has been handled at the local level. Former Pima County Sheriff Richard Carmona sharply rebuked the department’s leadership.
“We are just disappointed at the level or lack of leadership at the senior position and some of the remarks that are quite embarrassing,” Carmona said in a statement to Fox News.
Current Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has pushed back against claims of discord, particularly regarding cooperation with federal authorities. He told Fox 10 that his office maintains a “great working relationship” with the FBI and denied any rift between agencies.
Family Fully Cleared
Speculation surrounding the Guthrie family has been firmly addressed. Authorities confirmed that Savannah Guthrie, her siblings, and their spouses have been cleared as suspects after extensive cooperation.
Sheriff Nanos emphasized the thoroughness of the review process.
“We really put them through the wringer,” Nanos said. “We not just interview them, we take their cars, we take their houses, we take their phones, all this stuff and we’re not taking it. They’re giving it to us voluntarily. They have been 100% cooperative with us through everything we’ve asked. They are victims. They are not suspects.”
Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was forcibly removed from her home in the middle of the night. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the masked individual seen on the doorbell camera had an accomplice.
The FBI described the man in the video as standing between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build. So far, no suspect or person of interest has been publicly identified.
Technology and the Search for Truth
Video recovered from the home’s Google Nest doorbell camera remains the only footage retrieved so far. Engineers are continuing to work to recover additional recordings from other cameras on the property, offering hope that new evidence could emerge.
As law enforcement navigates modern forensic tools and expanding genetic databases, this case underscores both the promise and the limitations of 21st-century investigative technology. Even with advanced DNA techniques, justice ultimately depends on actionable leads and public cooperation.
Authorities urge anyone with information to come forward immediately. With a $200,000 reward now on the table, officials are hopeful that someone, somewhere, holds the missing piece that could bring resolution to a grieving family.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.