The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has identified a key piece of evidence in their investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. According to Sheriff Chris Nanos, a distinctive backpack worn by the suspect is exclusively sold at Walmart, prompting collaboration with the retail giant to gather more information.
Nancy Guthrie, aged 84, was last seen at her residence in Arizona on January 31, and was reported missing on February 1. Authorities discovered traces of her blood on the home’s front porch. Meanwhile, ransom notes have been sent to various news outlets, although the deadlines mentioned in these communications have already passed without incident.
The FBI has released surveillance footage showing a masked individual equipped with a handgun holster at the scene outside Guthrie’s Tucson home on the night of her disappearance. The security camera captured images of the person dressed in a ski mask, long pants, a jacket, gloves, and carrying a backpack.
Sheriff Nanos confirmed in a message to The Associated Press that the backpack, a 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack,” is the single item of clothing identified so far. “This backpack is exclusive to Walmart, and we are working with Walmart management to develop further leads,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing efforts to trace the suspect’s movements and uncover more clues in the case.
Pima Count 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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