Law enforcement activity ramped up late Friday night at a location about two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Arizona, nearly two weeks into the search for the missing 84-year-old. It was unclear what drew investigators to the site.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS affiliate KOLD that the scene is connected to the Guthrie case, and they are “actively working a lead. I cannot say anything else.”
After several hours, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department issued a brief statement saying: “Law enforcement activity is underway at a residence near E Orange Grove Rd & N First Ave related to the Guthrie case. Because this is a joint investigation, at the request of the FBI – no additional information is currently available.”
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day, Feb. 1. Authorities believe she was abducted from her home in the middle of the night.
In an update Friday afternoon, the sheriff’s department said DNA that didn’t belong to Nancy Guthrie’s or those in close contact with her had been collected from her residence, and investigators are working to identify who it belongs to. The department did not disclose where the DNA was found on the property.
The FBI on Thursday released the first physical description of a male suspect wanted in connection with her disappearance. He is described as having an average build and an approximate height of 5-foot-9 or 5-foot-10.
The suspect was seen on video recovered from the Nest doorbell camera system at Guthrie’s home from the night she is believed to have been abducted. In the video and images released by the FBI, was wearing a ski mask, gloves and backpack.
FBI
The FBI said the backpack was a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack model, which CBS News has learned is sold exclusively at Walmart. Sources with knowledge of the investigation told CBS News that law enforcement officials reviewed video at one Walmart location in Tucson. CBS News reached out to Walmart corporate offices, but a spokesperson declined to comment.
Investigators also recently found a pair of black gloves that are being tested for DNA, sources close to the investigation confirmed to CBS News.
The FBI has increased its reward from $50,000 to $100,000 for information leading to either the location of Nancy Guthrie, and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department said they’ve received thousands of tips so far in the case.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have released several emotional video statements pleading for their mother‘s safe return and urging the public to share any information that might help solve the case.
A ransom note that was first sent to KOLD demanded payment in bitcoin, and the Guthrie family released a video offering to pay despite receiving no proof of life. A second ransom note was also received, and two deadlines that were mentioned came and went with no further contact.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
Jonathan Vigliotti
contributed to this report.
