As the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie enters its third week, a significant forensic development has emerged that could finally provide investigators with a direct link to the masked individual captured on her home’s doorbell camera. The FBI announced that DNA evidence recovered from a black glove found approximately two miles from Guthrie’s Tucson, Arizona residence appears to belong to an unknown male and visually matches the gloves worn by the armed suspect seen in surveillance footage from the early morning hours of February 1, when the elderly woman vanished from her home.

The glove, discovered in a roadside field amid brush and vegetation, stands out among roughly 16 similar items collected by search teams in the area over recent days. Most of those other gloves were discarded by volunteers and responders during extensive ground searches, rendering them unrelated to the crime. This particular glove, however, drew immediate attention due to its distinctive appearance—black, consistent in style and fit with the pair visible in the doorbell video released by authorities earlier in the week. Preliminary DNA testing, conducted at a private laboratory in Florida after the item arrived late last week, yielded results on Saturday. Officials are now awaiting final quality control checks and official confirmation before uploading the profile into the national CODIS database, a move that could generate matches against known offenders or lead to familial connections through genetic genealogy.

The discovery represents one of the most promising leads yet in a case that has baffled investigators since Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1. She was last seen the previous evening after a family dinner, and routine check-ins the next day went unanswered. When deputies arrived at her Catalina Foothills home, they found drops of blood on the porch and signs of disturbance inside. Although the Nest doorbell camera lacked an active subscription, residual backend data captured critical motion-triggered footage: a figure, described as a man of medium build around 5’9″ to 5’10” tall, approached the door shortly after 1:47 a.m., tampered with the device—possibly covering it with nearby shrubbery—and entered the residence. The suspect was fully disguised in dark clothing, including long pants, a zip-up jacket, gloves, and a ski mask that obscured his face. Notably, he carried a distinctive black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack, sold exclusively at Walmart, and wore a visible gun holster described as inexpensive and commonly available.

The FBI has emphasized the suspect’s armed status, highlighting the holster in released stills and video to aid public identification. Combined with the backpack and now the glove match, these items form a patchwork of everyday consumer goods that investigators hope will trace back to a purchase point—whether in-store receipts, online orders, or local surveillance. The glove’s recovery adds a tangible forensic element: if the DNA profile proves viable and unique, it could exclude innocent parties or directly implicate someone in law enforcement databases.

This breakthrough arrives amid renewed public appeals from the family, particularly Savannah Guthrie, the prominent “Today” show co-anchor and Nancy’s daughter. In a recent Instagram video, Savannah addressed the abductor directly, stating with measured hope, “It is never too late to do the right thing.” She reiterated the family’s enduring belief in Nancy’s survival and their commitment to bringing her home, underscoring themes of redemption and human goodness even in the face of prolonged uncertainty. The plea followed earlier messages expressing willingness to meet demands—purported ransom notes involving Bitcoin had surfaced, though deadlines passed without further verified contact.

The investigation, jointly led by the Pima County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, has deployed extensive resources. Ground teams, divers (though not applicable here), aerial drones, and coordinated searches have covered wide areas around the home and potential escape routes. A recent vehicle tow from a local restaurant parking lot prompted brief detentions, but those individuals were released without charges. Authorities have also examined DNA from inside the home that does not belong to Nancy or her close contacts, though that profile remains separate from the glove evidence.

Sheriff Chris Nanos has repeatedly pushed back against early assumptions of a botched burglary, noting the premeditated nature of the suspect’s actions—disabling the camera, targeting an elderly resident in the dead of night—suggests intent beyond opportunistic theft. While some sources familiar with the probe lean toward a home invasion gone awry, the sheriff stresses that motive remains speculative without a suspect in custody. Concerns for Nancy’s health loom large; she relies on daily medications, has a pacemaker, and manages high blood pressure and heart issues, making time a critical factor.

The Walmart connections—backpack, clothing, mask, and potentially the holster—continue to guide retail analysis. Investigators have reviewed transaction records and store footage, though the ubiquity of such items presents challenges in narrowing suspects. The glove’s DNA profile, however, offers a more precise tool: once entered into CODIS, it could yield hits or partial matches that propel the case forward.

Public response has been overwhelming, with tips flooding in and a $100,000 FBI reward for information leading to Nancy’s safe return and the perpetrator’s arrest. Community volunteers in Tucson maintain vigils, and memorials near the home reflect shared grief and hope. Savannah’s visibility has kept national attention focused, turning a local mystery into a widespread call for justice.

As forensic teams finalize the glove’s DNA analysis, optimism flickers amid the uncertainty. This single piece of evidence—a discarded glove carrying traces of the suspect—could transform the investigation from exhaustive searches to targeted pursuit. For now, the family clings to faith that Nancy remains alive, and that the person responsible will heed the plea: it is never too late to do the right thing. The nation watches, hoping this forensic thread unravels the nightmare and brings an 84-year-old grandmother safely back to those who love her.