Glove DNA Yields No CODIS Hit as Investigators Expand Genealogy Search
Updated (2 articles)
DNA Test Returns No CODIS Match The forensic lab processed DNA from the pair of gloves recovered two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home and entered the profile into the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System, which produced no hits, confirming the sample does not match any known offender in the database[1][2]. Sheriff Chris Nanos emphasized that the lack of a CODIS match does not eliminate DNA’s investigative value and that additional analysis continues. The gloves physically resemble those worn by the masked suspect captured on doorbell‑camera footage, linking the evidence to the video‑identified individual[1][2].
Investigators Turn to Genetic Genealogy With CODIS exhausted, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department submitted the glove DNA and other collected samples to investigative genetic‑genealogy databases, hoping to generate leads beyond the national system[1][2]. The department also deployed a BlueFly handheld scanner to locate the signal from Guthrie’s implanted pacemaker, a technique previously used in Arizona searches[2]. Officials have not disclosed which genealogy services are being used, but they indicated the approach could produce new investigative avenues.
Suspect Description Reinforced by Physical Evidence The released doorbell‑camera footage shows a man in a ski mask, backpack, jacket and gloves, with forensic analysts estimating his height at 5 ft 9 in–5 ft 10 in and a medium build[1][2]. The recovered gloves match the style seen on the suspect, strengthening the connection between the physical evidence and the video‑identified individual. Police are collaborating with Walmart to trace the backpack’s purchase, aiming to identify the wearer through retail records.
Public Response, Tips, and Reward Discrepancies Savannah Guthrie posted an Instagram video urging anyone with information to come forward, echoing the appeal that “it is never too late to do the right thing”[1][2]. The sheriff’s office reported roughly 40,000 tips in the two weeks after the disappearance, while the Associated Press noted 28,000 calls between Feb. 1‑16, indicating differing counts across reports[1][2]. The FBI doubled the reward for information to $100,000, a detail mentioned only by the BBC article[1].
Sources
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1.
BBC: Glove DNA Test Yields No CODIS Match in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping: Details the glove DNA results, lack of CODIS hits, expanded genealogy efforts, suspect description, 40,000 tips, reward increase, and Savannah Guthrie’s public plea.
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2.
AP: DNA from gloves near Nancy Guthrie’s home yields no CODIS matches: Highlights the same DNA outcome, genealogy strategy, BlueFly pacemaker search, 28,000 tip count, and Savannah Guthrie’s Instagram appeal, without mentioning the reward increase.
Timeline
Feb 1 – 16, 2026 – The case generates 28,000 public tips, a 54 % rise over the same period last year, as Savannah Guthrie urges anyone with information, saying “it is never too late to do the right thing.” [2]
Feb 2026 – A pair of gloves recovered roughly two miles from Guthrie’s Tucson home is identified as matching the gloves worn by the masked suspect in the doorbell‑camera video, linking physical evidence to the suspect’s appearance. [1][2]
Feb 13, 2026 – DNA extracted from the gloves is entered into the FBI’s CODIS database and returns no matches, confirming the sample does not correspond to any known offender profile. [1][2]
Feb 13, 2026 – Investigators submit the glove DNA and other evidence to investigative genetic‑genealogy databases, seeking leads beyond CODIS. [1][2]
Feb 13, 2026 – Police deploy a Parsons Corp. BlueFly handheld scanner, capable of detecting wearable electronics up to 200 m, to locate the signal from Guthrie’s implanted pacemaker—a technique previously used from air and ground in Arizona. [2]
Feb 13, 2026 – Doorbell‑camera footage released shows a masked man in gloves, a backpack and a jacket; forensic analysis estimates his height at 5 ft 9 in – 5 ft 10 in with an average build, and investigators coordinate with Walmart to trace the backpack’s purchase. [1]
Feb 17, 2026 – Sheriff Chris Nanos announces no arrests after receiving close to 40,000 tips, stresses that Guthrie’s children and relatives are “victims, not suspects,” and confirms blood on the porch belongs to the 84‑year‑old victim. [1]
Feb 17, 2026 – The FBI doubles the reward for information from $50,000 to $100,000 as the investigation continues. [1]
Feb 17, 2026 – Savannah Guthrie posts a video addressing the abductor, stating “It is never too late to do the right thing… we believe in the essential goodness of every human being.” [1]