Questions About Evidence in Nancy Guthrie Case After Many Gloves Found

Police are looking into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. Many gloves were found near her home, and some people worry this might have mixed up the evidence. DNA from one glove might belong to a suspect seen on camera.
By Newsroom | Missing Persons, Arizona |

The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman from Arizona, is facing scrutiny due to the discovery of numerous gloves at and near the crime scene. The presence of what appears to be approximately sixteen gloves, many reportedly belonging to searchers, raises questions about the integrity of the evidence collected and the handling of the investigation. This situation unfolds as authorities have identified a suspect and are analyzing DNA evidence found on a glove.

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Timeline of Key Events and Involved Parties

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Arizona home on January 1st. The Pima County Sheriff's Department, along with the FBI, are leading the investigation. Authorities have identified a person of interest, described as a man of average build, approximately 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10, who was seen on surveillance footage near Guthrie's home. On February 1st, Guthrie was reported missing. Blood, identified as belonging to Nancy Guthrie, was found on her front porch. Authorities later confirmed they had retrieved DNA from a glove discovered near her home, which may belong to the suspect seen on doorbell camera footage. The family, including Savannah Guthrie, has released public pleas for her safe return.

Read More: Search Continues for Nancy Guthrie, Mother of TV Host Savannah Guthrie

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Evidence of Gloves and DNA Analysis

A significant element of the investigation involves the discovery of multiple gloves:

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  • Quantity: Approximately sixteen gloves were collected in various areas near Nancy Guthrie's house.

  • Origin: Sources indicate that a majority of these gloves may belong to individuals involved in the search efforts. This raises concerns about potential contamination of the crime scene.

  • Suspect Glove: A black glove found near Guthrie's home has yielded DNA evidence. Investigators state this DNA appears to match the type of glove worn by the masked suspect captured on surveillance video.

  • DNA Processing: The FBI is processing the DNA evidence. The Pima County Sheriff stated that results were pending at a private lab. The typical turnaround for DNA entry into the CODIS database is around 24 hours after the FBI receives it.

Examination of Suspect and Surveillance Footage

Authorities have publicly identified a potential suspect in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Read More: Police Look at DNA from Gloves in Search for Missing 84-Year-Old Nancy Guthrie

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  • Description: The suspect is described as a man with an average build, estimated to be between 5-foot-9 and 5-foot-10.

  • Surveillance: A masked individual wearing gloves was observed on surveillance footage, including doorbell cameras at Guthrie's residence. The glove found near the home may have originated from this individual.

  • Detained Individual: A man was briefly detained during a traffic stop related to the investigation but was later released. He was reportedly wearing a black Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack, similar to one seen in security footage.

Family's Pleas and Community Response

The family of Nancy Guthrie has actively participated in seeking her safe return.

  • Public Appeals: Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have released multiple video messages addressing their mother and her potential abductors, urging for her safe release.

  • Support: Guthrie's family has expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts. Colleagues of Savannah Guthrie have publicly offered support during the search.

  • Information Hotline: The Pima County Sheriff's Department has encouraged anyone with information to come forward.

Expert Opinions on Evidence Handling

  • Contamination Concerns: The presence of numerous gloves, potentially belonging to search personnel, has prompted discussions regarding proper crime scene protocol. Would the scattering of searcher gloves constitute a breach of evidence integrity?

  • DNA Significance: A former FBI agent highlighted the urgency of DNA testing, emphasizing that "every hour matters" in such cases. The analysis of DNA from the recovered glove is seen as a critical development.

Analysis and Next Steps

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance is at a critical juncture, marked by the discovery of significant DNA evidence on a recovered glove, potentially linking it to a suspect observed on surveillance. However, the presence of multiple gloves, many of which are suggested to belong to search teams, introduces a complex variable.

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  • Crime Scene Integrity: The primary concern revolves around whether the numerous gloves found at the scene have compromised the collection and integrity of other potential evidence. Could incidental contamination obscure or negate crucial forensic findings?

  • DNA Lead: The DNA analysis from the glove remains a pivotal piece of evidence. The confirmation of its origin and potential match to the suspect could significantly advance the investigation.

  • Suspect Identification: While a description and surveillance footage exist, the definitive identification and apprehension of the suspect are paramount.

  • Ongoing Search: Despite the forensic developments, the search for Nancy Guthrie continues. Authorities have indicated the probe could be extensive.

Further investigation will likely focus on confirming the DNA match, identifying the suspect, and thoroughly reviewing the chain of custody and collection methods for all evidence, particularly the numerous gloves found at the scene.

Read More: Police Search Home Near Missing Woman Nancy Guthrie's House

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What happened to Nancy Guthrie?
Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman, went missing from her home in Arizona.
Q: Why are people worried about the gloves?
About sixteen gloves were found near her home. Some might belong to people helping with the search, which could affect the evidence.
Q: Is there a suspect?
Yes, police have a description of a man seen on camera near her home. DNA from a glove found nearby might match him.
Q: What is being done with the DNA?
The FBI is testing the DNA from the glove. Results are expected soon.
Q: What is the family asking for?
The family is asking for Nancy Guthrie to be returned safely and for anyone with information to help the police.