As the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance moves into its third week, authorities say they are narrowing their focus on key physical evidence — particularly the clothing worn by the masked suspect — while increasingly dismissing speculation that her family members were involved.

Nancy, the 84-year-old mother of television anchor Savannah Guthrie, was taken from her $1 million home in Tucson, Arizona, during the early morning hours of February 1. Surveillance footage from her property captured a disturbing scene shortly before she vanished: a masked man approaching her front door and tampering with the doorbell camera before it was disabled.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed that the suspect’s outfit — including his dark clothing and face covering — was purchased at Walmart. Investigators also identified the backpack seen in the footage as a black Ozark Trail Hiker Pack, a model sold exclusively by the retail chain. Authorities are now working to determine whether the items were bought in-store or online.

Law enforcement officials are reviewing surveillance video from Walmart locations in and around Tucson and analyzing purchase records. According to reports, Walmart has provided investigators with transaction data for Ozark Trail Hiker backpacks sold over the past several months, not only locally but in surrounding regions as well. Detectives hope this information could help them trace the suspect’s movements or identify a potential buyer.

The gloves worn by the suspect have also become central to the investigation. DNA testing is underway on a pair of gloves believed to match those seen in the doorbell footage. Although nearly 16 gloves were recovered near Nancy’s home, federal authorities clarified that most were discarded by search teams combing the area. Investigators are carefully separating relevant evidence from items left behind during the search effort.

The FBI has described the suspect as a man of average build, approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall. In the video, his face is concealed by a black ski mask, and he is dressed primarily in dark clothing. The backpack and gloves stand out as potentially traceable items that may lead to new breakthroughs.

At the same time, authorities are reportedly “leaning away” from the theory that any of Nancy’s relatives were involved. Online speculation had focused on family members who were among the last to see her before she disappeared. However, law enforcement sources now indicate that investigators are concentrating their efforts elsewhere as evidence continues to be analyzed.

The high-profile nature of the case has also placed intense personal strain on Savannah Guthrie. Reports suggest she is considering stepping back from her hosting role on NBC’s Today show as the search continues. Having been a prominent figure on the network since 2007, Savannah is said to be deeply shaken by the ordeal.

Sources claim she fears that her public profile may have inadvertently made her mother a target, particularly because Nancy had occasionally appeared in media segments in the past. According to insiders, Savannah has been emotionally overwhelmed and grappling with guilt amid the uncertainty surrounding her mother’s fate.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies remain focused on tracking the suspect seen in the chilling footage. With DNA analysis pending and retail purchase records under review, investigators are hopeful that the combination of forensic science and digital tracking will yield answers. As the days pass, the case continues to intensify, with authorities emphasizing that every lead — no matter how small — is being pursued in the effort to bring Nancy Guthrie home safely.