Chilling detail emerges from Nancy Guthrie’s DNA splatter

As the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie enters its 13th grueling day, the investigation into the disappearance of the Today show co-anchor’s mother has shifted into a high-stakes forensic puzzle. While the Pima County desert baked in 80-degree heat Wednesday, federal agents and local authorities intensified their efforts, guided by “good leads” and a trail of DNA evidence that veteran forensic experts describe as chilling.

The disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother has triggered a massive multi-agency response, with the FBI now doubling its reward to $100,000 for information leading to her recovery or the conviction of those involved.

The Forensic Trail: “Not Innocent Means”

The most significant developments in the case center on a series of blood droplets discovered on the porch and driveway of Guthrie’s Tucson-area home. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has confirmed that DNA testing verified the blood belongs to the missing octogenarian.

Renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden, speaking with Fox News, provided a grim analysis of the scene. According to Baden, the physical characteristics of the blood splatter—specifically droplets with pale centers or “donut shapes”—suggest a traumatic event.

“The nature of the blood spots… are typical for drops that come from the nose or mouth, because they’re mixed with air,” Baden explained. “That means she’s coughing up blood or dripping from the nose. Otherwise, there would be a dripping from a cut from above, possibly from the hands or face.”

Baden further noted that the pattern indicates the victim was either unable or unwilling to stop the bleeding as she moved toward the driveway. “This blood dropped onto the porch area during an abduction,” he stated. “They indicate that it did not occur by innocent means.”

Boots on the Ground

The investigation remains highly visible. On Wednesday, FBI agents were seen navigating the rugged, cactus-strewn terrain surrounding the Guthrie property, carrying water to manage the unseasonable heat. The search expanded to a neighborhood roughly a mile away, where agents canvassed residents for any shred of information.

Ann Adams, a neighbor of Guthrie’s daughter, Annie, recounted her interaction with investigators.

“They were just asking some general questions, wondering if there was anything, any information we could shed on the Nancy Guthrie issue,” Adams said. “Wanted to look around the property and after that, cameras and such.”

A large white tent, erected outside the Guthrie home on February 12, remains a focal point of the investigation. While officials have not commented on the tent’s specific purpose, its presence suggests a meticulous, long-term forensic processing of the site.

A Person of Interest

The FBI’s Phoenix office has released new, refined details regarding a suspect captured on doorbell camera footage. The individual is described as a male, approximately 5’9” to 5’10” tall with an average build. Crucially, he was seen at Guthrie’s front door carrying a black, 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack.

“We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving,” the FBI said in a statement. Since the investigation began on February 1, the bureau has processed over 13,000 tips.

The Timeline

The timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains a primary focus for investigators:

• January 31: Guthrie is dropped off at her home by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, following dinner with her daughter, Annie. This is the last confirmed sighting.
• February 1: Concerns are raised when Guthrie fails to join her weekly church livestream. She is subsequently reported missing.
• February 12: Forensic teams set up a command structure at the residence as experts weigh in on the blood evidence and a single black glove recovered at the scene.

As the search continues, Savannah Guthrie has used her platform to maintain public awareness, sharing emotional pleas and videos in hopes of bringing her mother home.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the FBI directly, emphasizing that every tip is being vetted for credibility.