Arizona law enforcement officials are partnering with Walmart corporate headquarters to trace a distinctive backpack connected to the alleged kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
The elderly woman vanished from her Tucson residence on January 31st, with family members filing a missing person report the next day. Crime scene investigators discovered blood evidence on her front porch, and alleged ransom demands were delivered to media organizations, though two payment deadlines have already expired.
Federal investigators have released security camera footage showing a masked individual carrying a firearm holster near Guthrie’s residence on the evening she disappeared. The surveillance recordings captured images of someone wearing winter clothing including a face mask, full-length pants, coat, and hand coverings, along with a backpack.
Sheriff Nanos told The Associated Press via text message Monday that authorities have positively identified the suspect’s “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” 25-liter backpack as the sole piece of equipment they can confirm with certainty.
“This backpack is exclusive to Walmart and we are working with Walmart management to develop further leads,” Nanos said.
However, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department clarified in Monday’s statement that while the suspect’s other garments “may have been purchased from Walmart but is not exclusively available at Walmart.” Officials emphasized “This remains a possibility only.”
On Sunday, investigators revealed that a glove found in the vicinity of the Guthrie residence has been submitted for genetic analysis. Federal agents reported receiving initial test results Saturday while waiting for official verification. This development occurs as law enforcement continues collecting potential evidence while the search for Guthrie enters its third week. Officials have not yet named any suspects in the case.
Based on surveillance footage analysis, FBI agents describe the suspect as a male approximately 5 feet, 9 inches in height with an average body type.
Law enforcement has voiced serious concerns regarding Nancy Guthrie’s medical condition, as she requires essential daily medications. According to sheriff’s dispatch recordings available on broadcastify.com, she has a cardiac pacemaker and has been managing elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular complications.
