FBI confirms DNA recovered from glove found near Savannah Guthrie’s mother’s home as abduction investigation intensifies

TUCSON, Ariz. — Federal investigators have recovered DNA from a glove found near the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, as authorities push to identify a masked suspect captured on video the night she disappeared. The FBI confirmed the DNA recovery Sunday, a development that could sharpen the focus of an investigation that has drawn nationwide attention and produced ransom notes — but still no proof of life.

Reuters reported the glove was found among roughly 16 gloves collected during a search, but investigators believe this one appears to match the pair worn by a masked suspect seen disabling Guthrie’s doorbell camera before the abduction. The DNA was analyzed by a Florida crime lab and is awaiting confirmation before it can be run through a national DNA database, according to Reuters.

AP reported the glove was found about two miles from Guthrie’s Tucson home and “appears to match” gloves worn by the masked individual on porch surveillance video. The FBI described the person as a man around 5-foot-9 with a medium build, wearing a ski mask and a backpack, and authorities have emphasized that most of the other gloves located are believed to have been discarded by searchers, not suspects.

The case has intensified public interest because of Nancy Guthrie’s age and health, the high-profile family connection, and the unsettling details around the scene. Reuters reported that blood found at the home was confirmed to be hers, and authorities believe she could not have left on her own because of severe physical limitations.

Two ransom notes were sent to media outlets, according to Reuters, but officials have said there has been no proof of life and no evidence of death. AP reported that multiple ransom deadlines have passed as investigators pursued leads, including searches and vehicle-related steps, but no arrests have been announced.

The investigation has also been complicated by behind-the-scenes jurisdiction tensions. Reuters previously reported that a source said the local sheriff blocked FBI access to some evidence in the case, and that evidence was outsourced to a Florida lab — a wrinkle that drew heavy reaction because it suggests potential friction at a moment when time can matter.

For investigators, DNA is not an instant solve, but it can be a turning point. If the sample is strong enough and can be run through databases, it may generate a hit — or at least narrow the suspect pool. If it does not match anyone on file, it can still help corroborate other evidence, including surveillance images, ransom communications, and any forensic traces from the property.

For the public, the key point is that a DNA recovery is progress, not closure. The case remains a missing-person and suspected abduction investigation, and authorities continue to urge tips while warning that rumor churn online can muddy leads. The question now is whether the glove DNA becomes the thread that finally ties the suspect on video to a real identity — and whether that identity leads investigators to Nancy Guthrie.