“Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s beloved mother remains missing, and the uncertainty continues to weigh heavily on her family. Nancy Guthrie, 84, has not been seen since January 31, when relatives dropped her off at her Tucson home. She was officially reported missing on February 1, setting off a weeks-long search that has drawn national attention and deep concern.
Now, as the investigation enters another critical stretch, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is sharing a new update on where the case stands after search volunteers discovered new items.
Sheriff Issues Clarification on Backpack Found by Volunteers Near Tucson Road
GettyAuthorities have confirmed that a backpack found by volunteers is not linked to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed the speculation after a local search group recovered the item over the weekend and turned it over to law enforcement. Rumors quickly circulated online suggesting it could be a key development in the case.
During the Monday, February 23 broadcast of “Today,” Nanos set the record straight, confirming the backpack is not the one investigators have been seeking.
The discovery came after volunteers met in the parking lot of a Tucson Hobby Lobby and searched a nearby road close to Nancy’s home. When they found the backpack, they immediately alerted authorities.
The finding briefly raised hope and anxiety among those following the case. After reviewing the item, investigators determined it was not connected to Nancy’s disappearance.
Walmart Backpack Identified as Key Clue
Earlier this month, the FBI released surveillance images from Nancy’s home following her abduction. The footage showed a person wearing an all-black outfit and a ski mask, carrying a black backpack.
Nanos previously said that the backpack remains a critical lead.
“That backpack, we could positively now identify as a backpack that is sold at one place only. That’s Walmart,” he told NBC News in an interview released on Tuesday, February 17.
“So we’re working with our Walmart managers all across the state to try to find out how many sales there were of that backpack in the last 20, 30 days, the last 60 days.”
He added, “And can we do something with that? Can we break it—maybe we’ll find a credit or bank card. Maybe we’ll find a video of the guy walking in.”
Investigators are also examining other clothing items seen in the footage.
“In terms of leads and working and getting out there, I think that [the investigation] is still growing, yeah,” Nanos said during a February 20 interview with NBC News. “I think we’re getting closer to identifying some of the other articles, not just that backpack — like the shoes, the pants, the shirt, or jacket.”
DNA Challenges and Ongoing Investigation
GettyAuthorities have also revealed another troubling piece of the investigation.
“DNA other than Nancy Guthrie’s and those in close contact with her” was discovered inside her home. According to Nanos, the sample is mixed, meaning it contains genetic material from more than one person. That detail makes testing and analysis far more complex.
Getty“The technology is moving so fast, and it’s such a frenzy that they think some of this stuff will resolve itself just in a matter of weeks, months, or maybe a year,” Nanos explained, as reported by The New York Post.
He admitted the pace has been frustrating, saying the case is “not going fast enough” and that there are still “no names” investigators are publicly focusing on.
“It’s never fast enough for the sheriff,” he said. “I want it like you — come on, guys, let’s go, let’s go, let’s find her. But the reality is that I also know that sometimes things take time.”
Even with the setbacks, his message was firm and personal. “We’re not quitting,” he added. “We will find her.”
I know the investigators want to keep the public informed. I am sure there are millions of people, like myself waiting for good results. But it seems toe that the suspects are also being kept informed. I would prefer that lest information given is best. Like was done for those 4 children killed. They slow walked him down. I am so anxious about this, I want Mrs. Nancy to be found safe. That poor elderly lady did not deserve this type of cruelty. It is so heart breaking. LORD PLEASE HAVE MERCY.
I am not trusting the lab. Send that DNA to the FBI lab! I am not trusting them working with Walmart “managers”. Get corporate involved! Not just the store level!