The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, intensified Friday as investigators confirmed new forensic developments and federal authorities doubled down on their involvement in the high-profile case.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sheriff Chris Nanos, revealed that unidentified DNA has been recovered from Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson, Arizona, property.
Officials said the genetic material does not belong to Nancy Guthrie or to anyone known to be in close contact with her. The sample has been sent for laboratory analysis as investigators work to determine its origin.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 after being dropped off at her home by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, following dinner with him and her daughter Annie Guthrie. Authorities believe she was abducted in the early hours of February 1.
Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated publicly that she did not leave willingly and that the case is being treated as a suspected kidnapping.
As the investigation entered its 13th day, the FBI Phoenix Field Office increased the reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s location — and the arrest and conviction of anyone involved — from $50,000 to $100,000.
FBI Director Kash Patel has urged anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing that federal resources are fully engaged in the search.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Donald Trump has been briefed on the case and reiterated that federal authorities are providing full support to local law enforcement.
President Trump told reporters that “progress has been made” since the FBI became more directly involved, though he cautioned that it is too early to speculate about who may be responsible.
Meanwhile, investigators are sorting through a surge of public tips — nearly 20,000 to date — including thousands received after surveillance footage was released showing a masked, armed suspect outside Nancy Guthrie’s home.
The suspect has been described by the FBI as a male approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build.
Authorities have also confirmed the recovery of multiple gloves found in areas surrounding the neighborhood, though Sheriff Chris Nanos clarified that no gloves were recovered directly on Nancy Guthrie’s property. Items collected have been sent for DNA testing.
In a related development, Derrick Callella, 42, of Hawthorne, California, appeared in federal court in Tucson after being charged with transmitting a false ransom demand to the Guthrie family.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Callella allegedly sent text messages and made a brief phone call demanding ransom payments.
Federal officials stated that he was acting as an imposter and attempting to exploit the situation.
Separately, media outlet TMZ has reported receiving multiple emails from an individual claiming to know the identity of Nancy Guthrie’s abductor.
The sender has demanded bitcoin payments in exchange for information. Law enforcement has not confirmed any link between those communications and the ongoing investigation.
Savannah Guthrie has continued to address the public alongside her siblings, Annie Guthrie and Camron Guthrie, pleading for their mother’s safe return.
In one video statement, Savannah Guthrie said the family is prepared to pay if it ensures Nancy Guthrie’s safe recovery, while also emphasizing the need for proof of life.
As forensic testing continues and leads are pursued, authorities maintain that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
Law enforcement officials have stressed that every tip is being reviewed and that the focus remains on bringing Nancy Guthrie home safely and identifying those responsible for her disappearance.
