Authorities investigate the kidnapping of Today The show’s co-host Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, believes the suspect deliberately targeted the 84-year-old woman.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC Today that the case has been difficult, but his team is focused.
“I think this was an individual who had a target for whatever reason, and he’s made it difficult, but I also have some pretty tough investigators.”
Investigators are prioritizing DNA evidence recovered inside Nancy’s Tucson home.
While a glove found two miles away yielded no matches in the national database, Nanos said DNA from the residence could be more critical: “We think we may have some DNA there that may be our suspect, but we won’t know until that DNA is separated and resolved.”
Surveillance footage released earlier this month shows a masked man with a gun and gloves on Nancy’s porch in the early hours of February 1.
The FBI described the suspect as a man, approximately 5’9″ to 5’10” tall, of average build, carrying a black 25-liter Ozark Trail backpack.
Nanos acknowledged speculation that the suspect may have been wearing a ring under his glove and said his team is reviewing the details.
The case has drawn national attention due to the Savannah Guthrie connection, and viewers and colleagues have shown their support.
In Wednesday’s broadcast, Today The presenters wore yellow ribbons in solidarity, echoing the yellow flower displays in Tucson.
The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to the recovery or arrest of Nancy Guthrie.
