New findings are beginning to bring authorities closer to establishing the identity of the person believed to have the mother of journalist Savannah Guthrie, Nancy, in their possession, such as matches in DNA samples and the origin of the clothing worn in the security video known days after the alleged kidnapping. Meanwhile, the 'Today' presenter tries to convince the perpetrator to make the right decision.

First modification: 02/16/2026 - 21:43

A glove found about 2 miles from the home of missing Nancy Guthrie contains DNA that could match those worn by the masked person seen in security videos released on February 10.

Authorities also have new clues about the suspect's movements prior to the kidnapping of the 84-year-old woman.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) announced in a statement that it hoped to conclude the search in its national database on February 16 and obtain a match, in order to establish the identity of the person captured in the security video.

The process, which lasts about 24 hours, involves comparing the samples obtained from the gloves with those stored in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), and that were taken from individuals and crime scenes nationwide in other investigations.

The new gloves were found in a field near Nancy Guthrie's residence in Tucson, Arizona, and the genetic material found on them does not belong to the victim or anyone in the circle with which she regularly associates.

Additionally, the sheriff of Pima County, where the woman resides, Chris Nanos, revealed in an interview with 'CBS News' that they are conducting investigations to determine where the items that the suspect shows in the security video were acquired.

Nanos specified that it is believed that the clothing was purchased at Walmart, since the Ozark brand hiking backpack seen in the recording is sold exclusively at that chain of stores.

The sheriff said investigators have been reviewing surveillance videos from local Walmarts, but it is still unknown whether the items were purchased online or in person.

Double the reward, and still no answers

The FBI announced on February 12 that it was doubling the amount offered as a reward for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie, which will now be $100,000.

The truth is that very little progress has been made in collecting evidence, beyond the visits of officers to houses near Guthrie's residence to analyze more surveillance images, and the general characteristics of the alleged perpetrator: a man of approximately 1.75 m and of medium build.

There are also no clear theories about the perpetrator's motivation, beyond two confusing ransom notes, one of which includes two deadlines, but no contact information or details for a future meeting to finalize the transaction for release.

All the notes were sent to different media outlets, the first to three different media outlets, but the one sent to the local network KOLD is completely different in content, as the station's news director, Jessica Bobula, revealed to 'NBC News'.

In the first note, the evidence given that the sender has been in contact with Nancy Guthrie is that she is wearing an Apple digital watch.

Researchers have warned that in a photograph that shows her at a public event with her famous daughter, it can be clearly seen that she uses this accessory, so they warn that it is not solid enough evidence.

"Anyone sitting in Kathmandu could click on Google and see those images and demand bitcoin," Jim Cavanaugh, a law enforcement analyst, told NBC News.

The concern of authorities and family members is growing because she is a woman with mobility problems and health conditions that require very strict treatments.

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Plea for what is right

Host Savannah Guthrie has released a new video in which she pleads with the perpetrator to release her mother.

"To whoever has it or knows where it is: it's never too late, and you're not lost or alone," says the 'Today' show journalist, as her mother's disappearance enters its third week.

"We believe in the essential goodness of every human being. It is never too late to do the right thing and here we are," added Guthrie, who also assured that "we still have hope."

Guthrie's disappearance has captured widespread media attention. Even President Donald Trump has shown his solidarity with the family, and on February 16 he declared in a telephone interview with the 'New York Post' that he will ask for the death penalty for the perpetrators if the woman is murdered.

With AP, Reuters and local media

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