DNA From Glove in Guthrie Abduction Yields No Leads

Investigators plan genealogy search as disappearance probe enters 3rd week

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Investigators had hoped a discarded glove would crack the Nancy Guthrie case, but DNA taken from the glove found about two miles from the 84-year-old's Arizona home produced no match in the FBI's national database. With the case now in its third week, authorities are expected to submit the profile to a commercial genealogy database in hopes of tracing relatives of the unknown man and building out a lead that way.

Why it matters

The inability to identify the DNA found on the glove is a significant setback in the investigation into Guthrie's abduction, which has now entered its third week with no clear leads. Authorities are now turning to more advanced investigative techniques like genetic genealogy in an effort to uncover new clues.

The details

The glove resembled one seen on security footage worn by Guthrie's abductor, and tests detected an unknown man's DNA. However, the sample doesn't match anything in federal records or any DNA collected from inside Guthrie's residence. With no CODIS hits, investigators are now prioritizing the partial DNA evidence found at Guthrie's home over the glove discovered miles away.

  • The case is now in its third week.
  • On Sunday, Guthrie's daughter, Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, issued a new public appeal on Instagram to whoever is responsible.

The players

Chris Nanos

Pima County Sheriff who said the DNA taken from the glove produced no match in the FBI's national database.

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who was abducted from her Arizona home.

Savannah Guthrie

The daughter of Nancy Guthrie and co-anchor of the Today show, who issued a public appeal on Instagram regarding her mother's disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“There were no DNA hits in CODIS and there have been no confirmed CODIS matches in this investigation.”

— Pima County Sheriff's Department (Associated Press)

“Now we start with genealogy and some of the partial DNA we have at the home. To me, that's more critical than any glove I found 2 miles away. I'm not dismissing the glove 2 miles away, but I have gloves 5 miles away, 10 miles away, so we prioritize.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (NBC News)

What’s next

Authorities are expected to submit the DNA profile from the glove to a commercial genealogy database in hopes of tracing relatives of the unknown man and building out a lead.

The takeaway

The inability to identify the DNA found on the glove is a significant setback in the Guthrie abduction investigation, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in solving complex cases without clear forensic evidence. The case underscores the growing importance of advanced investigative techniques like genetic genealogy in filling critical gaps when traditional methods fall short.