DNA Match Links Suspect to Kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie's Mother

FBI finds DNA evidence on glove near crime scene, as investigation into 84-year-old's disappearance continues

Feb. 20, 2026 at 8:23pm

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The FBI has matched DNA recovered from a glove found two miles from Nancy Guthrie's home to the masked individual suspected of kidnapping the 84-year-old from her Tucson-area residence more than two weeks ago. This forensic breakthrough represents a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Guthrie's disappearance, which has captivated national attention due to her daughter's high-profile role as host of the NBC Today show.

Why it matters

The kidnapping of an elderly woman from her own home in the middle of the night is a deeply troubling crime that has shaken the local community. The DNA match provides investigators with a crucial lead, but the motive and whereabouts of Nancy Guthrie remain unknown, raising grave concerns for her safety and well-being.

The details

Surveillance video shows a masked individual approaching Guthrie's front door, and blood was found on the porch. The suspect is described as around 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build. Investigators have determined the clothes and mask were likely purchased from Walmart, and they have obtained records of sales for the specific backpack model carried by the suspect. The DNA-matched glove was found two miles from Guthrie's home.

  • On January 31, Nancy Guthrie was last seen when her son-in-law dropped her off at her home.
  • By the early morning hours of February 1, Guthrie's doorbell camera was disconnected, and her pacemaker app lost connection to her phone.
  • The Pima County Sheriff's Office received a missing persons report for Guthrie before noon on February 1.
  • On Saturday, the FBI confirmed the DNA match between the glove and the suspect seen on surveillance footage.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who was kidnapped from her home in the Tucson, Arizona area. She requires daily medication for high blood pressure and ongoing heart issues.

Savannah Guthrie

The daughter of Nancy Guthrie and host of the NBC Today show, who has issued a public plea for information about her mother's disappearance.

Tommaso Cioni

Nancy Guthrie's son-in-law, who dropped her off at her home on the day she was last seen.

Pima County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency investigating Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that has matched DNA evidence found at the scene to a suspect.

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What they’re saying

“It is never too late to do the right thing. And we are here. And we believe in the essential goodness of every human being, that it's never too late.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Instagram)

What’s next

The Pima County Sheriff's Office has detained an individual following a traffic stop in Tucson, but the person was later released. Investigators also carried out a search of a property about an hour south of Tucson, but no results from that search have been made public. The DNA match provides a significant lead, but the motive and Guthrie's whereabouts remain unknown.

The takeaway

This case highlights the vulnerability of elderly individuals living alone and the urgent need to find Nancy Guthrie, whose life may be in danger due to her medical conditions. The DNA evidence is a crucial breakthrough, but the investigation remains active as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding her kidnapping.