The FBI has released the first physical description of the man believed to have kidnapped Nancy Guthrie, the mother of US news anchor Savannah Guthrie.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared in the middle of night from her Tucson, Arizona, home and was last seen two weeks ago. The authorities believe she was taken against her will.
The FBI has analysed footage from a doorbell camera outside her home and believes she was kidnapped by a male who is between 5ft 9in (175cm) and 5ft 10in tall, with an average build.
It is first time the man in the video has been officially identified as a suspect in the case, which has drawn a huge amount of attention both in the US and abroad.
In its latest statement, the FBI said it had been able to establish identifying details after carrying out a forensic analysis.
It highlighted the backpack being worn by the suspect in the video, which was released earlier this week, and identified it is a 25-litre Ozark Trail Hiker Pack.
A pair of black gloves has also been found during the search for Guthrie, the BBC’s US broadcast partner CBS reported on Thursday.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of Saturday 31 January when family members dropped her home. Members of her church noticed her absence at Sunday’s service and notified her family.
Officials have warned she may be in dire health without her medication. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said she was “not in good physical health” but had no reported cognitive issues.
Since 1 February, the FBI said it had received more than 13,000 tips in relation to the case – including 4,000 in the 24 hours after the doorbell camera footage was released.
It is offering money to anyone who comes forward with information about her disappearance and has now doubled the reward from $50,000 (£36,700) to $100,000.
Earlier this week, a man was detained in connection with Guthrie’s disappearance and his home in Rio Rico – south of Tucson, Arizona – was searched before he was released.
Speaking to reporters following the incident and said he did not know who Nancy Guthrie was.
Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings have released a number of social media pleas directed at their mother’s potential abductors.
They believe she is still alive and have indicated they would be willing to pay for her return.
By BBC News
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