Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Probe Focuses on Walmart Backpack/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Investigators searching for Nancy Guthrie are working with Walmart after identifying the suspect’s backpack as a store-exclusive item. Surveillance footage shows a masked individual outside her Tucson home the night she vanished. Authorities continue DNA testing and say the family is fully cooperating.
Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Investigation Quick Looks
- Nancy Guthrie, 84, missing since Jan. 31
- Blood found on porch of Tucson home
- Suspect wore 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack
- Backpack sold exclusively at Walmart
- Investigation led by Pima County Sheriff’s Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation
- FBI analyzing DNA evidence from glove found nearby
Deep Look: Walmart Backpack Emerges as Key Lead in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance
Investigators probing the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, are zeroing in on a key piece of evidence — a backpack worn by a suspect captured on surveillance footage.
Authorities confirmed that the 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” identified in video footage is sold exclusively at Walmart stores. Law enforcement officials are now working closely with Walmart management in hopes of tracking potential purchase records and uncovering new leads.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson, Arizona, home on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day. Blood was discovered on her front porch, raising immediate concerns. In the days following her disappearance, ransom notes were sent to media outlets, though two payment deadlines have passed without further communication.
Surveillance Footage Reveals Masked Suspect
The Federal Bureau of Investigation released surveillance footage showing a masked individual outside Guthrie’s residence the night she vanished. The person appears to be wearing a ski mask, gloves, a jacket, long pants and a handgun holster, along with the distinctive backpack.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said the backpack is the only clothing item investigators have “definitively identified.” While other clothing worn by the suspect may also have been purchased at Walmart, officials emphasized those items are not exclusive to the retailer.
Investigators are now exploring whether store records, security footage, or purchase data could help narrow down suspects.
DNA Testing Underway
In a related development, authorities revealed that a glove found near Guthrie’s home has been submitted for DNA analysis. Preliminary results were received over the weekend, with official confirmation still pending.
The disappearance has entered its third week, and authorities continue gathering evidence. Officials have described the suspect seen in surveillance footage as a man approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build.
Sheriff Nanos stressed that members of Guthrie’s family, including siblings and spouses, are not considered suspects.
“The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case,” Nanos said.
Health Concerns Add Urgency
Authorities have expressed heightened concern due to Nancy Guthrie’s medical condition. According to law enforcement dispatch records, she has a pacemaker and requires daily medication to manage high blood pressure and heart issues.
The case has drawn national attention as investigators intensify efforts to locate her and identify the individual captured on camera.
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