TUCSON, Ariz. — More than six weeks after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Catalina Foothills home, the Pima County Sheriff leading the investigation says he believes the crime was targeted — but warned the suspect could strike again.

Nancy Guthrie
Nancy Guthrie

Sheriff Chris Nanos, in an interview with NBC News that aired March 13, revealed that investigators have developed a working theory about why Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was taken from her residence in the early morning hours of Feb. 1.

"We believe we know why he did this, and we believe that it was targeted," Nanos told NBC correspondent Liz Kreutz. "We're not 100% sure of that, so it would be silly to tell people, 'Yeah, don't worry about it, you're not a target.'"

The sheriff's candid assessment came as the investigation entered its 44th day, with no suspect in custody and Guthrie's whereabouts still unknown. The case has drawn national attention since FBI Director Kash Patel released doorbell camera footage on Feb. 10 showing an armed, masked man approaching Guthrie's front door.

Mixed DNA Evidence Could Provide Breakthrough

Among the most promising developments, Nanos said, is mixed DNA evidence recovered from Guthrie's property that remains under analysis. When asked whether that evidence could lead to a match, the sheriff expressed optimism.

"Absolutely, that's going to get us to somebody, we hope," he said.

The DNA samples represent a critical piece of the puzzle for investigators who have been working to identify a suspect described as a male approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build. The individual was captured on camera wearing a black ski mask, gloves, and a backpack — later identified as an Ozark Trail Hiker Pack — with what appeared to be a weapon in a holster.

Earlier DNA testing on black gloves found about two miles from Guthrie's home hit a dead end when analysis showed they belonged to a restaurant worker with no connection to the case, the sheriff's department announced March 4.

However, other DNA samples recovered from inside Guthrie's home — material not belonging to the victim or her inner circle — continue to be processed.

Internet Disruption Raises Questions About Pre-Meditation

Investigators are also examining whether the suspect used sophisticated equipment to disable Guthrie's home security systems. Nanos confirmed authorities are looking into a potential internet disruption that occurred the night of the abduction.

"If you look at that timeline, there was a timeline when things went offline," Nanos said. "So we're looking into that. Why did that occur? We checked with our power companies. We checked with others in the neighborhood."

On March 5, investigators canvassed Guthrie's neighborhood asking residents whether they experienced internet service issues that night. Three homeowners told NBC News that investigators mentioned multiple people in the area had reported glitches.

The possibility that a Wi-Fi jammer was used suggests a level of planning that has concerned law enforcement officials.

A damaged utility box near Guthrie's home has also been examined, though Nanos said investigators do not currently believe it is connected to the case.

Timeline of a Disappearance

According to the timeline established by doorbell camera footage and digital records, Guthrie spent the evening of Jan. 31 with family, returning home at approximately 9:48 p.m. Her garage door closed two minutes later.

The first sign of trouble came at 1:47 a.m. on Feb. 1, when the doorbell camera disconnected. At 2:12 a.m., smart home software detected a person on the camera. By 2:28 a.m., Guthrie's pacemaker app showed it had disconnected from her phone.

When Guthrie failed to appear at a friend's house to watch a church service online — a routine engagement — the friend contacted Guthrie's daughter Annie, who lives nearby. The family checked on her at 11:56 a.m., called 911 at 12:03 p.m., and patrol cars arrived at 12:15 p.m.

Community Support Remains Strong

As the investigation stretches into its seventh week, the Tucson community has maintained visible support for the Guthrie family. Residents have created signs, banners, and artwork calling for Nancy's safe return.

Local artist Donna Preuss, known as "Pinky," has been leaving canvas paintings outside Guthrie's home, including one reading, "Nancy, all of us are praying for you to come home now."

Despite the prolonged investigation, no arrests have been made in connection with Guthrie's disappearance. Several individuals have been detained in unrelated matters, including a man who allegedly sent a false ransom note to the family and another arrested on misdemeanor DUI charges in front of Guthrie's home.

Law enforcement continues to urge anyone with information to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov, or call the Pima County Sheriff's Department at 520-351-4900 or 88-CRIME.