Pima County Sheriff reveals suspect’s gear in Nancy Guthrie kidnapping probe

Authorities believe they have identified where the alleged kidnapper of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie purchased the clothing and backpack seen in surveillance footage, offering a key lead in the ongoing investigation.

The suspect, captured on video approaching Guthrie’s Tucson, Arizona home on the night of Feb. 1, wore a zip-up fleece jacket, pants, ski mask, and carried a black Ozark Trail Hiker backpack, all items reportedly sold at Walmart, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said. 

Officials have not yet confirmed whether the items were bought in-store or online, and investigators are reviewing Walmart surveillance footage from several Arizona locations.

“The identification of the backpack is one of the most promising leads in the case so far,” Nanos told CBS News.

Another breakthrough came when the Pima County Sheriff’s Department reported that DNA not belonging to Guthrie or her close contacts was collected from her property. Authorities are actively working to identify the source but have not disclosed the exact location. 

Gloves found during the investigation, including one recovered about two miles from her home, contain DNA that appears to match the gloves worn by the armed suspect seen on security cameras.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home on the evening of Jan. 31, after being dropped off by family members. 

Surveillance images released Feb. 10 show the masked individual with gloves and a backpack approaching her front porch. Law enforcement is analyzing infrared footage to confirm the color and details of the mask.

Walmart has provided records of all recent purchases of the Ozark Trail backpack, both online and in stores, as investigators trace the suspect’s movements.

Savannah Guthrie, the 54-year-old daughter of the missing woman, shared the new surveillance photos on Instagram, urging the public to help: “We believe she is still alive. Bring her home.”

Authorities have also reported that alleged ransom notes tied to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance were sent to multiple media outlets. 

Savannah and her siblings posted an emotional video on Feb. 7, stating, “We will pay,” in an effort to secure her safe return.