The disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has entered a deeply complex and emotionally charged stage, as investigators continue to pursue every possible lead in what has become one of the most closely watched cases in Arizona this year. With no suspect in custody and multiple unanswered questions, law enforcement officials are working around the clock to piece together what truly happened the morning she vanished.

Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on January 31 at her Tucson home in the Catalina Foothills area. She was officially reported missing the following day after she failed to attend a scheduled church function and family members were unable to reach her. Almost immediately, authorities began treating the situation as suspicious.

From the beginning, investigators have emphasized that without a suspect in custody, much of what circulates publicly remains speculation. However, behind the scenes, the investigative picture appears to be evolving.

According to an inside source who spoke to AZFamily, investigators are now leaning toward the possibility that Nancy’s disappearance may not have been a meticulously planned kidnapping, as initially feared. Instead, there is growing belief among some investigators that the incident could have been a burglary gone wrong — a scenario that would dramatically shift the understanding of motive.

Former law enforcement professionals who reviewed the doorbell camera footage from Nancy’s home told AZFamily that the suspect’s behavior did not resemble a carefully orchestrated abduction. The masked individual seen on video appears to walk slowly onto the porch, head lowered, as if attempting to obscure their identity. Rather than moving with clear purpose or speed, the suspect’s actions struck experts as tentative.

“The widespread investigative belief is Nancy could be alive,” the inside source reportedly said.

That possibility — fragile but powerful — continues to drive the relentless search effort.

DNA Evidence and the Glove Discovery

One of the most significant recent developments involves DNA evidence recovered from a black glove found approximately two miles from Nancy’s residence. The glove appears consistent with those worn by the masked suspect captured on the doorbell camera footage the morning she disappeared.

The FBI confirmed that the glove was sent to a private forensic laboratory in Florida. It arrived on a Friday, and preliminary DNA results were received the following Saturday. Officials are now awaiting quality control verification before entering the DNA profile into the national database, including CODIS — the Combined DNA Index System.

This step is crucial. If the DNA matches an individual already in the database, investigators could quickly identify a suspect. If not, the profile will remain stored for future comparison.

Notably, nearly 16 gloves were discovered in the general area during the search. However, authorities clarified that most of those gloves belonged to search teams and volunteers who had discarded them during the operation. Only one glove is believed to potentially belong to the suspect.

The presence of DNA evidence has injected cautious optimism into the case. Even without a suspect in custody, forensic science may provide the breakthrough investigators desperately need.

The Range Rover Investigation

In addition to the glove discovery, authorities are also awaiting DNA results from a Range Rover SUV that was towed from a Tucson-area Culver’s parking lot. The driver of the vehicle was briefly detained and interviewed but later released without charges.

Law enforcement has not publicly disclosed what specifically drew attention to the SUV. However, investigators reportedly believed the vehicle could be connected to the timeline of Nancy’s disappearance.

The release of the driver does not eliminate the vehicle from the investigation. DNA and trace evidence results could either rule out involvement or place new focus on that lead.

As investigators wait for laboratory confirmations, they continue analyzing surveillance footage from nearby businesses, reviewing phone data, and tracking digital footprints connected to ransom communications.

Blood on the Porch and Ransom Notes

Adding to the urgency of the case is the troubling discovery of blood on Nancy’s front porch. Authorities have not publicly detailed the volume or forensic analysis of the blood evidence, but its presence immediately heightened concerns.

At the same time, purported ransom notes were sent to news outlets, including CBS News’ Tucson affiliate KOLD. The messages demanded payment in Bitcoin and included deadlines that have since passed without further contact.

The authenticity of the ransom communications remains under investigation. Authorities are carefully analyzing the digital trail of those messages to determine whether they originated from someone directly involved or from opportunistic individuals seeking attention.

The Guthrie family publicly stated that they were willing to pay the ransom, even without proof that Nancy was alive. Their decision underscored the depth of their desperation and hope.

However, the lack of follow-up communication from whoever sent the ransom demands has complicated investigators’ assessment of motive.

If the disappearance was indeed a burglary gone wrong, as some investigators now suspect, the ransom notes could represent a secondary attempt to exploit the situation after the fact.

The Doorbell Footage

The doorbell camera footage remains one of the most critical pieces of evidence in the case. Released by authorities to generate public tips, the video shows a masked individual approaching Nancy’s porch early in the morning.

The suspect appears to wear gloves and carry a 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack. The FBI described the suspect as a man approximately 5’9” tall with a medium build.

The individual’s head remains lowered throughout the footage, suggesting an attempt to avoid identification. At one point, the suspect appears to tamper with the doorbell camera.

Former law enforcement experts who reviewed the footage noted that the suspect’s movements did not display the precision or efficiency typically associated with a professional kidnapping operation. Instead, the behavior seemed uncertain.

This observation contributed to the emerging theory that the incident may have escalated unexpectedly.

Concern for Nancy’s Health

Nancy’s age and medical needs add urgency to the search. Authorities confirmed that she relies on daily medication, raising serious concerns about her wellbeing if she is being held somewhere against her will.

Each passing day intensifies the risk.

Despite this, investigators have not publicly declared the case a homicide investigation. The continued emphasis that Nancy “could be alive” signals that law enforcement has not lost hope.

Savannah Guthrie’s Emotional Appeal

As the investigation entered its 15th day, Savannah Guthrie shared a deeply emotional message on Instagram. Holding back tears, she spoke directly to the person who may be holding her mother.

“It’s been two weeks since our mom was taken,” she said. “We still have hope and we still believe.”

She then addressed whoever may have information about Nancy’s whereabouts: “It’s never too late. You’re not lost or alone. It’s never too late to do the right thing.”

Her words resonated across social media, drawing support from viewers nationwide. Rather than anger or threats, Savannah’s message focused on compassion and belief in human goodness.

The family has released multiple video appeals urging Nancy’s safe return. Their public posture reflects a careful balance between cooperation with investigators and maintaining pressure for information.

Community Response and Ongoing Search Efforts

Residents in Tucson have been advised to expect significant daily police activity as the investigation continues. Search teams, FBI agents, and local law enforcement officers remain visible in the area.

Neighbors have described the situation as surreal. Helicopters, patrol vehicles, and crime scene tape transformed what is normally a quiet residential neighborhood.

Community members have organized prayer vigils, distributed flyers, and shared updates online. The case has deeply affected the region, particularly given Nancy’s age and visibility through her daughter’s public role.

The Burglary Gone Wrong Theory

The idea that Nancy’s disappearance may have stemmed from a burglary that escalated unexpectedly changes the narrative significantly.

Under this theory, the suspect may not have initially intended to abduct anyone. Instead, the situation could have spiraled after Nancy encountered the intruder.

If this scenario proves accurate, it could explain certain inconsistencies in the ransom communication and the suspect’s behavior on camera.

However, law enforcement has not confirmed this theory publicly. Investigators remain cautious, emphasizing that all possibilities are still under review.

Waiting for the DNA Breakthrough

At this stage, much of the case hinges on forensic results.

If the DNA from the glove produces a match, investigators could quickly identify and locate a suspect. Even without a direct match, partial profiles could connect to relatives through genealogical databases.

Modern forensic techniques have solved cold cases decades old. In a fresh investigation like Nancy’s, DNA evidence could prove decisive.

Until then, uncertainty remains.

Hope Amid Uncertainty

Despite the lack of a suspect in custody, law enforcement officials continue to stress that Nancy could still be alive.

Investigators have not disclosed specific reasons for this optimism, but the absence of confirmed fatal evidence appears to sustain hope.

The Guthrie family continues to wait.

Each new development — the glove, the SUV, the ransom notes — brings a mixture of anxiety and possibility.

For now, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist the investigation.

As the case unfolds, one thing remains certain: Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has left a profound mark on her family, her community, and countless people following the story nationwide.

And while questions remain about motive, suspect identity, and what truly happened on that January morning, investigators are determined to uncover the truth — wherever it leads.