Chilling detail emerges from Nancy Guthrie’s DNA splatter
DNA splatter from Nancy Guthrie could hold vital clues to her puzzling disappearance, at least according to forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden.
Searching in 80-degree heat
The search for Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, has now stretched into its 13th day.
The investigation remains active and highly visible. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos tells KOLD that investigators have “good leads” in the Nancy Guthrie case, but there’s still no sign of her current whereabouts.
On Wednesday, FBI agents combed the rugged desert terrain around Guthrie’s Tucson-area home, carrying water bottles to cope with the 80-degree heat. They also canvassed a nearby neighborhood about a mile away, knocking on doors and searching through cacti, brush, and scattered rocks.
“They were just asking some general questions, wondering if there was anything, any information we could shed on the Nancy Guthrie issue. Wanted to look around the property and after that, cameras and such,” said Ann Adams, a neighbor of Guthrie’s other daughter, Annie, who lives several miles from her mother.
On February 12, a large white tent appeared outside Guthrie’s property, though officials haven’t disclosed its purpose, likely a sign that forensic analysis is ongoing. At the same time, a host of experts have been brought into the case. Some are working directly with authorities, while others are weighing in through various media outlets.
The blood
For example, blood was discovered outside Nancy Guthrie’s home, and a single black glove was later recovered. On February 12, a large white tent appeared outside the property, though officials haven’t disclosed its purpose, likely a sign that forensic analysis is ongoing.
Taking a closer look at the blood droplets reportedly found on the porch and driveway of Guthrie’s home, the scene paints a chilling picture of what might have happened in the early hours of February 1.
“Nancy Guthrie is bleeding from some area, either the hands or the face,” explained forensic pathologist Dr. Michael Baden to Fox News.
“The nature of the blood spots with little pale centers or donut shapes are typical for drops that come from the nose or mouth, because they’re mixed with air. 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.”
Law enforcement has confirmed that DNA tests verified the blood indeed belongs to Nancy Guthrie.
Baden noted the pattern suggests she was either unable or did not attempt to stop the bleeding as she moved from the front door toward her driveway.
“This blood dropped onto the porch area during an abduction,” Baden said. “They indicate that it did not occur by innocent means. They happened not in a normal, innocent way where it could be covered up or have iodine and bandages put on it.”
Identifying details
According to authorities, Nancy was last seen at her home on January 31 after her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, dropped her off following dinner with her daughter Annie. When she failed to join her weekly church livestream the following morning, she was reported missing.
The FBI has now doubled its reward for information, offering up to $100,000 for tips leading to Nancy’s recovery or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
The Phoenix office shared updated identifying details from forensic analysis of doorbell camera footage captured at Guthrie’s home.
The suspect is described as a male, roughly 5’9” to 5’10” tall with an average build. He was seen wearing a black, 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack in the video, standing at Guthrie’s front door.
“We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving,” the FBI said in a statement. “Since February 1, 2026, the FBI has collected over 13,000 tips from the public related to this case.”
Authorities emphasized that all tips are carefully reviewed for credibility and that media outlets should forward any information directly to the FBI.
Nancy’s daughter, Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been publicly pleading for information, sharing videos and heartfelt messages to urge the public to help locate her mother.
