Nancy Guthrie Case: Suspect’s mask, clothes likely bought at Walmart, sheriff says

TUSCON, ARIZONA: Authorities say investigators believe the suspect seen in surveillance footage, connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, purchased key items, including clothing and a face mask, at Walmart. Law enforcement continues reviewing surveillance video and conducting DNA testing.

Guthrie, 84, has been missing since February 1. Authorities believe she was abducted from her Tucson home during the night. No arrests have yet been made.

Walmart items, surveillance and DNA testing

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News that investigators believe the clothing and black face mask worn by the suspect in the recently released doorbell video were purchased at Walmart. Detectives are still working to determine the specific brands of the items. CBS News previously reported that the suspect’s backpack, identified as a black Ozark Trail Hiker model, is sold exclusively at Walmart.

According to the sheriff, investigators have spent several days reviewing surveillance footage at local Walmart stores to trace the purchases. It remains unclear whether the items were bought online or at a physical store in Arizona or elsewhere. Nanos described the backpack as one of the strongest leads in the investigation.

Walmart has provided investigators with records of Ozark Trail Hiker backpack purchases made both online and in stores over the past several months, including transactions outside the Tucson area, Nanos told CBS News.

The company declined to comment on the backpack and has not responded to additional inquiries regarding the mask and clothing.

Investigators also noted that while the suspect’s face mask appears lighter in the doorbell footage, authorities believe it is black and that the appearance is likely affected by infrared technology used by the Nest camera. 

The FBI has previously described the suspect as a male of average build, standing approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall. Additional DNA evidence collected from Guthrie’s property has not yet led to a suspect, according to Nanos.

Nanos also said the search was tied to “a lead that led to a search warrant and no arrest.” Authorities have not disclosed further details about what prompted the search or what may have been recovered. 

Reports surrounding Savannah Guthrie’s future at ‘Today’

As the investigation continues, industry reports indicate Savannah Guthrie is considering leaving the flagship morning show as the search for her mother enters its third week. According to NewsNation’s Paula Froelich, citing sources, the television journalist is weighing a possible permanent exit amid the emotional strain. “This absolutely came out of the blue, and I think she’s really concerned that it was because of her job,” Froelich reported.

Savannah Guthrie fears her public profile may have made her mother more vulnerable “with bad characters.” Friends and colleagues reportedly describe her as deeply distressed as the investigation continues.

In a recent video posted to Instagram, Savannah Guthrie appealed publicly for her mother’s safe return. “It’s never too late to do the right thing,” she said, addressing anyone who may have information about her mother’s whereabouts.