Nancy Guthrie Case Update: DNA Evidence Degraded, Desert Backpack Ruled Out

Authorities investigating the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie acknowledged February 26, 2026, that DNA evidence recovered from her Catalina Foothills home may be "unusable" due to degradation or contamination, while confirming that a backpack found miles away has no connection to the case, as the search for the missing mother of NBC "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie entered its 26th day with no new arrests or major breakthroughs.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided the updates during a brief media briefing, stating that forensic analysis of blood drops found on the front porch and other samples from inside the residence has yielded inconclusive or degraded results. "Some of the DNA evidence is not usable at this time due to environmental factors and the age of the samples," Nanos said. "We continue to work with state and federal labs to explore any additional testing options, but we are not relying solely on DNA to move the investigation forward."

The sheriff also addressed persistent speculation about a backpack discovered in a nearby desert area shortly after Guthrie vanished on February 1. "The backpack recovered early in the search has been fully processed and ruled out as related to this case," Nanos confirmed. "It does not match the description provided by the surveillance footage, and no forensic links were found." The clarification follows weeks of public theories tying the item to the suspect seen on Nancy Guthrie's Nest doorbell camera.

The suspect, captured in black-and-white footage released by the FBI on February 10, is described as a male approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build. He wore a balaclava, gloves, and carried a 25-liter Ozark Trail "Hiker Pack" backpack while approaching the door with a holstered firearm visible. Sources told ABC News and NBC News on February 23–24 that some released images show the individual without the backpack or gun, prompting speculation of multiple visits to the property. Sheriff Nanos reiterated February 26 that the photos lack date or time stamps, calling any conclusion about separate dates "purely speculative."

Investigators have canvassed thousands of hours of surveillance footage from the greater Tucson area and requested additional recordings from neighbors, with particular emphasis on January 11 (9 p.m.–midnight) and January 31 (9:30 a.m.–11 a.m.). A neighbor, Aldine Meister, told Fox News Digital on February 25 that she observed a "suspicious" younger man walking in the neighborhood about two weeks before the disappearance. "He didn't have your typical walking gear on, and he had his hat pulled really far over his eyes," Meister said. "He just didn't fit." She reported the sighting to authorities after the case became public.

The family, led by Savannah Guthrie, announced a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's recovery, matching FBI criteria for payment. Savannah shared an emotional video on Instagram February 24, saying, "We still believe in a miracle, we still believe that she can come home — hope against hope." She acknowledged the possibility that her mother "may be lost" or "already be gone," but urged anyone with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov, or submit tips anonymously through 88-Crime.

The FBI continues offering up to $50,000 for information leading to recovery and the arrest of those responsible, while 88-Crime provides an additional $102,500 reward. The agency has received thousands of tips since releasing the suspect footage, though officials have not confirmed any credible ransom demands or bitcoin-related communications reported by some media outlets.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31 after her son-in-law dropped her off following dinner. She failed to join a scheduled virtual church service the next morning, prompting family concern. Blood drops on the porch and tampering with the doorbell camera suggest foul play. All immediate family members, including Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, have been cleared as suspects.

The quiet, affluent Catalina Foothills neighborhood remains on edge, with residents placing flowers and notes outside the home. The area's spaced-out properties, dark skies, and limited surveillance have hindered progress. Investigators continue forensic work, digital analysis, and canvassing while limiting public updates to significant developments to preserve resources.

As the case stretches into its fourth week, the Guthrie family and authorities maintain hope that new leads will emerge. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI or Pima County Sheriff's Department. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with no persons of interest publicly identified and no arrests made.