Federal agents investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie have uncovered what could be a critical piece of evidence — a black glove discovered along a desert roadway not far from her home outside Tucson.
The 84-year-old woman, who is the mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for more than a week. Authorities believe she was taken from her residence in what appears to be a violent abduction that left behind troubling signs, including blood at the scene.
Now, investigators say they may have found a potential clue.
According to law enforcement sources, members of the FBI’s Evidence Response Team located a single black glove in brush roughly a mile and a half from Guthrie’s house. The item reportedly resembles gloves worn by a masked suspect captured on newly released surveillance footage.
Images from the search show agents carefully retrieving the glove from low desert vegetation in the quiet suburban neighborhood on the outskirts of Tucson. The area has been swarming with federal personnel in recent days as the investigation intensifies.
Earlier this week, the FBI released dramatic video showing a man dressed in dark clothing, wearing black gloves and a ski mask, and carrying a holstered firearm. The individual is seen vandalizing a security camera mounted outside Guthrie’s front door — a chilling development that marked the first significant public evidence in the case after 10 days of silence from authorities.
Officials have not publicly confirmed whether the recovered glove has been definitively linked to the suspect seen on video. When pressed for details, investigators declined to elaborate on the discovery or its evidentiary value.
The bureau has described the ongoing effort as an “extensive search” operation, with agents combing through nearby roadways and open desert terrain for any sign of the missing woman or her suspected abductor.
“We are grateful for the cooperation and support from the Tucson community,” the FBI said in a statement, again highlighting the standing $50,000 reward for information that leads to Nancy Guthrie’s safe return.
Despite mounting scrutiny, no arrests have been made.
On Tuesday, authorities detained a man near the U.S.-Mexico border for questioning in connection with the case. The individual, identified as Carlos Palazuelos, a delivery driver from Rio Rico, was stopped south of Tucson and briefly taken into custody.
Palazuelos was released without charges early Wednesday. Speaking to local media, he denied any involvement in Guthrie’s disappearance and said he had no knowledge of who she was. He reportedly demanded an apology following his release.
Meanwhile, the case has taken yet another strange turn.
Celebrity news outlet TMZ reported receiving an anonymous message demanding approximately $67,000 in bitcoin. In exchange, the sender claimed they would provide the identity of the person responsible for the kidnapping. Authorities have not commented publicly on the alleged message or whether it is considered credible.
As the investigation stretches into its second week, concern continues to grow for the elderly woman’s safety. Law enforcement officials have remained tight-lipped about specific details, fueling speculation while underscoring the seriousness of the situation.
For now, the black glove discovered in the desert may represent the most tangible lead investigators have. Whether it ultimately connects to the masked figure seen on camera — or brings authorities closer to locating Nancy Guthrie — remains to be seen.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have relevant details to reach out to the FBI without delay.