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In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the FBI has discovered a glove that appears to match those worn by a suspect captured on surveillance footage. This breakthrough comes as the search for the 84-year-old mother, who has been missing for two weeks, intensifies. The glove was located in a field approximately two miles from Guthrie’s Tucson home, and preliminary DNA analysis suggests it may hold vital clues to her whereabouts.
Discovery of the Glove
During an update on Sunday, the FBI confirmed the recovery of the glove, which is believed to be linked to a suspect captured on a doorbell camera just before Guthrie vanished. The glove was found in an area that has been under scrutiny by investigators, and forensic teams collected DNA evidence from it. Officials are currently awaiting “quality control and official confirmation” before entering an “unknown male profile” into their database, which could potentially lead to a breakthrough in the case.
The FBI has also reported that they have gathered approximately 16 gloves from various locations near Guthrie’s home. However, many of these were discarded by search teams as they scoured the area for any sign of the missing woman. “The one with the DNA profile recovered is different and appears to match the gloves of the subject in the surveillance video,” stated an FBI representative.
Surveillance Footage and Suspect Description
Earlier this week, investigators released footage from a doorbell camera at Guthrie’s residence, depicting a masked individual wearing gloves and a backpack. In this video, the suspect approaches the camera before attempting to obscure its view with his gloved hand and subsequently grabbing foliage from the yard. A forensic examination of the footage suggests the man is of average build and stands between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall (approximately 175-177cm).
Authorities have identified the backpack carried by the suspect as a 25-litre Ozark Trail Hiker Pack, which may further assist in identifying the individual. The FBI has emphasised that this suspect is believed to be involved in Guthrie’s abduction, which occurred in the early hours of 1 February.
Search Efforts and Community Response
Guthrie was last seen on 31 January when a family member dropped her off at home following a visit to her daughter’s house. Her absence was noticed the next day by church members, who promptly alerted her family. In the two weeks since her disappearance, a coordinated search effort has been underway, involving helicopters, sniffer dogs, and hundreds of officers. Authorities have received thousands of tips from the public, highlighting the community’s concern and willingness to assist.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has expressed significant concern for Guthrie’s wellbeing, noting that she was “not in good physical health” and may require medication. The urgency of the situation has heightened, especially as officials have warned that without her medication, Guthrie’s health could be in serious jeopardy.
In a further effort to garner information, the FBI has doubled the reward for details regarding Guthrie’s disappearance from $50,000 (£36,700) to $100,000, underlining the critical nature of the investigation.
Ongoing Investigations and Future Steps
In their relentless pursuit of answers, authorities executed a search warrant at a residence situated two miles from Guthrie’s home last Friday. However, no arrests were made at that time. Additionally, investigators have discovered DNA at Guthrie’s residence that does not belong to her or any of her known associates, suggesting the possibility of an external individual’s involvement in her case.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on identifying the individual seen in the surveillance footage. Local authorities have stressed that they are keeping all potential leads open, refusing to dismiss any possibilities as they work diligently to locate Guthrie.
Why it Matters
The search for Nancy Guthrie highlights not only the immediate concerns for her safety but also the broader implications for community vigilance and law enforcement collaboration in missing person cases. As new evidence emerges, the community remains united in hope, advocating for justice and the safe return of a beloved mother and grandmother. The case serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of safety and the importance of collective action in times of crisis.
