Nancy Guthrie Case: FBI Contacts Mexico - What Happens Next?!

The agonizing search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, continues here in Tucson. It's been nearly a week since authorities believe she was abducted from her home in the early hours of Sunday, February 1st. Every day that passes feels heavier, I know that’s true for her family, and frankly, for a lot of people in our community who are following this case closely.

Nancy Guthrie Case: FBI Contacts Mexico - What Hap...

The FBI really ramped things up last week, releasing those unsettling images of a masked individual appearing to be messing with a security camera outside Ms. Guthrie's residence. It’s the kind of image that sticks with you. The authorities are pleading with anyone who might have information, no matter how small it seems, to reach out. They're urging people to call 911 or the Pima County Sheriff's Department directly at 520-351-4900. For those of you looking for a comprehensive timeline of the investigation, we've got a link right here on the site.

And speaking of encouragement, the reward for information leading to Ms. Guthrie's safe return has just ballooned. An anonymous donor stepped up with a whopping $100,000 contribution to 88-CRIME, bringing the total reward to a staggering $102,500. This is on top of the existing $100,000 reward already offered by the FBI. Hopefully, that kind of money will loosen some lips and bring forward some valuable leads. Every little bit helps, you know?

Here's a development that's just come to light: Law enforcement sources have confirmed to ABC News that the FBI has contacted Mexican authorities. Now, there's no concrete evidence suggesting Ms. Guthrie was taken across the border, but given Tucson's close proximity to Mexico, investigators are understandably leaving no stone unturned. It’s a smart move to cover all the bases, even if it’s just a precaution.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department made another announcement on Tuesday, outlining their plans to use genetic genealogy in their search. They're focusing on a pair of gloves discovered just two miles from Ms. Guthrie's property. Apparently, initial DNA analysis didn't produce any hits in the national CODIS database, nor were there any matches to DNA found at the house itself. The Sheriff’s Department was quick to clarify that CODIS is just one tool in their arsenal. It’s important to remember that these things take time, and sometimes the breakthroughs come from unexpected places.

DNA recovered from Guthrie's home is also undergoing intense scrutiny, and investigators are saying "further testing" is necessary as part of the ongoing investigation. The FBI already ran DNA from a separate glove found during a roadside search through CODIS, but unfortunately, that came up empty as well. The Sheriff’s department is emphasizing the thoroughness of their approach, leaving no avenue unexplored. We can only hope that this painstaking work will ultimately bring Nancy Guthrie home safely.