A black glove discovered on an Arizona roadside may provide the critical DNA evidence investigators need to identify the kidnapper of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, according to a former FBI official.
The glove was found Wednesday approximately one and a half miles from Guthrie’s Catalina Foothills residence, eleven days after her disappearance.
Former FBI National Academy overseer Michael Harrigan stated the discovery would prove significant if investigators confirm its connection to the ongoing investigation.
Harrigan explained the type of glove will determine its evidentiary value.
The critical factor involves whether the discarded glove made direct contact with skin or was worn over another glove, which would affect DNA transfer likelihood.
The discovered glove bears resemblance to those worn by the masked kidnapper captured on Nancy Guthrie’s home security camera.
Investigators will examine the item thoroughly for skin cell DNA that may have transferred from a suspect.
Laboratory analysis will determine whether Nancy Guthrie’s DNA appears on the glove.
Without her DNA present, the glove could simply be an item discarded by a worker or passerby unrelated to the case.
Authorities plan to investigate any individual whose DNA appears on the glove, regardless of the initial assessment.
Standard investigative procedures would include interviewing the person, conducting background checks, performing detailed analysis and collecting photographic evidence.
Harrigan acknowledged the probability of a connection remains low given the glove’s distance from the crime scene. However, he emphasized while speaking to the New York Post that nothing becomes insignificant eleven days into a kidnapping investigation.
The fact investigators are searching roadways one and a half miles from the scene indicates extensive behind-the-scenes work.
The search suggests authorities believe evidence may have been discarded from a vehicle during the kidnapper’s escape.
Unlike other criminal investigations, kidnapping cases have virtually no limit to search perimeters.
Investigators will examine any potential evidence regardless of distance from the primary scene.
Authorities have not identified any suspects in Nancy Guthrie’s abduction. The case remains active with multiple investigative leads being pursued simultaneously.
TMZ reported Tuesday that the FBI achieved the first major breakthrough by releasing security footage showing a man wearing black gloves, a ski mask, and a holstered gun attempting to obscure a camera on Guthrie’s front entrance.
The footage provides the clearest view yet of the suspect’s appearance and methods.
Investigators detained a person of interest Tuesday evening for questioning. The man, identified as delivery driver Carlos Palazuelos from Rio Rico, was released after several hours of interrogation.
Rio Rico is located approximately sixty miles south of Tucson.
WDBJ reported that Palazuelos denied any knowledge of Nancy Guthrie or involvement in her disappearance during questioning.
