Authorities investigating the abduction of Today Show co-host Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, believes the suspect deliberately targeted the 84-year-old.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC’s Today that the case has been difficult, but his team is focused.
“I think this was someone who had a target for some reason and he’s made it difficult, but I also have some pretty tough investigators.”
Investigators are prioritizing DNA evidence found inside Nancy’s Tucson home.
While a glove found two miles away produced no match in the national database, Nanos said the DNA from the residence could be more critical: “We think we may have some DNA there that may be our suspect, but we won’t know until that DNA is separated, sorted out.”
Surveillance footage released earlier this month shows a masked man with a gun and gloves on Nancy’s front porch in the early hours of February 1.
The FBI described the suspect as a male, approximately 5’9″ to 5’10” tall, of average build, carrying a black 25 liter Ozark Trail backpack.
Nanos acknowledged speculation that the suspect may have been wearing a ring under his glove and said his team is reviewing the details.
The case has attracted national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s connection, with viewers and colleagues showing support.
In Wednesday’s broadcast d. Today anchors wore yellow ribbons in solidarity, echoing displays of yellow flowers in Tucson.
The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or arrest.
