TUCSON, Ariz.
Three weeks have passed since 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie allegedly went missing, and, on Sunday, over a dozen volunteers banded together to search for clues in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills neighborhood.
This search followed comments from Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who mentioned that investigators still haven’t pinpointed a suspect in the kidnapping case. DNA evidence collected from the site hasn’t yielded any clear leads yet.
In an NBC interview aired Saturday, Sheriff Nanos indicated that it could take weeks, months, or even a year to analyze the mixed DNA samples at a lab in Florida.
Authorities have already processed some DNA. Blood found on Guthrie’s front porch was confirmed to be hers. Additionally, they examined a glove found about two miles away from her home, which seemed to resemble one worn by a masked figure seen on her doorbell camera.
Unfortunately, the investigation wasn’t as fruitful as hoped. The glove didn’t match any known offenders in the FBI’s CODIS database, and the mixed DNA from Guthrie’s residence has thus far only produced a partial profile, insufficient for any definitive connections.
While CODIS relies on short tandem repeat (STR) testing, recent advancements in investigative genetic genealogy could offer a different route for analysis, potentially revealing more information from the same evidence.
Interestingly, as the investigations unfold, the number of dedicated community members rallying to assist in searching for Nancy has increased rapidly. Volunteers have provided immense grassroots support.
Over the weekend, several items were uncovered, including some black gloves similar to those tied to the incident and a backpack that, under scrutiny, didn’t align with the suspect’s description.
When asked why she participated, volunteer Christy Wiggins expressed, “If it was my mom or any of my family that was missing, I would want someone to come out and search.”
The search groups scattered around various locations early Sunday morning. While organizers kept specific area layouts hidden, volunteers were eager to contribute to the effort.
The gloves and a Swiss Gear-branded backpack discovered during the search were both located a bit of distance from where Guthrie was last seen. However, authorities mentioned that the backpack does not seem connected to the kidnapping.
In light of the ongoing investigation, sheriff officials urged the public for any tips or information that could help. Sheriff Nanos reassured that they are exploring every avenue regarding items the person of interest might have been wearing during the incident.
As of now, it remains a complex and ongoing case. Yet, the unwavering support of the community showcases a heartfelt commitment to finding Nancy Guthrie and bringing her back home.
Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the authorities for assistance.
