Walmart Records Unlock Critical Clue in Missing Nancy Guthrie Case

Nancy Guthrie, 84, the mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since February 1 following what authorities describe as a midnight abduction from her Tucson home. Investigators now have a significant lead tied to Walmart purchases made by the suspect identified in doorbell footage.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that the clothing and face mask worn by the suspect were purchased at Walmart. He emphasized that investigators are working to identify specific brands and determine whether the items were bought online or at brick-and-mortar stores in Arizona or elsewhere.

CBS News first reported that the suspect’s backpack—a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack—is sold exclusively at Walmart, making it one of the most promising leads in the case. “It’s one of the most promising leads we have,” Nanos told CBS News, noting Walmart provided records of all Ozark Trail Hiker backpack purchases over several months, both online and in stores—including sales outside Tucson.

The sheriff’s office confirmed the suspect’s face mask is black, though it appears lighter in infrared doorbell footage. Walmart has not publicly commented on the items and declined to respond to inquiries about the backpack, mask, and clothing.

Federal authorities reported new forensic developments: A black glove found near Guthrie’s home “appears to match the gloves of the subject in surveillance video,” according to an FBI statement. Preliminary DNA testing identified what the bureau described as an “unknown male profile,” which will be entered into the national Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS, database once confirmed.

Authorities describe the suspect as a man of average build, approximately 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10. The investigation intensified Friday when multiple law enforcement agencies executed a search warrant at a residence less than two miles from Guthrie’s home. Nanos told CBS affiliate KOLD that the search was based on “a lead that led to a search warrant and no arrest.” Officials have not disclosed what, if anything, was recovered.

Independent observers noted that certain Ozark Trail backpack models are stocked at select locations near Guthrie’s home—details authorities hope could narrow the suspect pool. The FBI has increased its reward to $100,000 for credible information leading to Guthrie’s whereabouts or the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

As law enforcement follows the retail paper trail and DNA evidence, Savannah Guthrie issued an emotional plea on Sunday urging anyone involved to “do the right thing.”