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The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has zeroed in on a key piece of evidence in the mysterious disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. The suspect linked to her disappearance was spotted with a backpack sold exclusively at Walmart, prompting investigators to collaborate with the retail giant for leads, Sheriff Chris Nanos announced on Monday.
Nancy Guthrie, aged 84, was last seen at her Tucson, Arizona residence on January 31, with her disappearance reported the following day. Authorities discovered blood traces on her front porch, heightening concerns about her safety. Adding to the intrigue, several purported ransom notes were dispatched to media outlets, although deadlines for payment have come and gone without any resolution.
In a bid to crack the case, the FBI released surveillance footage capturing a masked individual outside Guthrie’s home on the night she vanished. The suspect, clad in a ski mask, long pants, a jacket, and gloves, was seen carrying a backpack and wearing a handgun holster.
Sheriff Nanos, in communication with The Associated Press, pinpointed the backpack as a significant clue. This “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack,” a 25-liter model, stands out as the only clothing item that has been definitively identified from the footage, potentially providing a crucial lead in this perplexing case.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said in a text message to The Associated Press on Monday that the 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack was the only clothing item that has been “definitively identified.”
“This backpack is exclusive to Walmart and we are working with Walmart management to develop further leads,” Nanos said.
The suspect’s clothing “may have been purchased from Walmart but is not exclusively available at Walmart,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement Monday. “This remains a possibility only.”
Investigators on Sunday announced that a glove discovered near the Guthrie home has been sent for DNA testing. The FBI said that it received preliminary results Saturday and was awaiting official confirmation. The development comes as law enforcement gathers more potential evidence and as the search for Guthrie’s mother heads into its third week. Authorities previously said they had not identified a suspect.
The FBI said the suspect in the surveillance footage is a man about 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a medium build.
Nanos said on Monday that members of Guthrie’s family, including siblings and spouses, are not suspects.
“The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case,” Nanos said in a statement.
Authorities have expressed concern about Nancy Guthrie’s health because she needs vital daily medicine. She is said to have a pacemaker and have dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on broadcastify.com.
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