Sheriff Reveals Savannah Guthrie's Mother's Abductor Had A 'Target' In Shocking New Remarks

Savannah Guthrie's mother's abduction appears to have been deliberate for a reason, according to the investigating Sheriff, Chris Nanos.

Nanos said in a recent interview that he believes Nancy Guthrie was a "target." He also noted that his investigators are hopeful that the DNA recovered from Nancy's home could play a crucial role in finding the suspect.

Amid the ongoing investigation, members of the Guthrie family have been cleared as possible suspects after being interviewed by authorities.

In an interview aired on the "Today" show on Wednesday, February 18, Sheriff Chris Nanos shared a new theory about Nancy's abductor, who has remained unidentified since her kidnapping more than two weeks ago.

According to the law enforcement official, Nancy's kidnapper was "an individual who had a target for whatever reason," suggesting the suspect may have specifically chosen her before breaking into her home.

"He has made it tough, but I've got some pretty tough investigators too," the Pima County Sheriff remarked further about the abductor, per People Magazine.

Since the incident, authorities have recovered DNA from Nancy's home, as well as from gloves found in the vicinity of the property. However, Sheriff Nanos and his team are placing greater emphasis on the DNA collected inside the home.

"We believe we may have some DNA there that may be our suspect, but we won't know that until that DNA is separated, sorted out," Nanos continued. "To me, that's more critical than any glove I found two miles away."

A first glimpse of the suspect in Nancy's kidnapping emerged after authorities recovered previously unavailable footage from the front camera of the octogenarian's home.

Initially, the individual's gender was unclear, as the suspect wore clothing that concealed key features, including a ski mask.

However, following further analysis, the FBI released a description identifying the individual as "a male, approximately 5'9" to 5'10" tall, with an average build."

Investigators also focused closely on the items carried by the intruder, particularly a backpack. This was later revealed to be a black, 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack, which may have been purchased at Walmart.

Subsequently, eagle-eyed members of the public suggested that the suspect may have been wearing a ring underneath the dark gloves he wore. during the break-in

The claim has now been promised further review by Sheriff Nanos, as he and his team continue to press ahead with their investigation.

"I look at the same photo you look at, and I see it," the sheriff said. "I see people have circled the [spot where the ring might be] and I say, 'I'm going to give that to my team.'"

Nanos added, "They'll look at that."

Nancy's family members have all been cleared as potential suspects, past reports revealed. This includes the 84-year-old's children, Savannah, Annie, and Camron, as well as Tommaso Cioni, Annie's husband.

Nanos explained how investigators arrived at this conclusion during his interview, where he provided fresh updates on the progress of the case.

"We talked to them, we took their phones, we took their computers," he said, per reports. "I mean, we did everything. We processed their vehicles, we processed their homes. They have been really... They're victims."

The officer also opened up about how "cooperative and gracious" the family has been throughout the investigation and that it would be "wrong" and "cruel" for anyone to suggest they were culpable in any way.

"Sometimes we forget we're human and we hurt, and kindness matters," Nanos further remarked. "It is every cop's duty to stand up and be that voice for our victims. I'm not going to sit in silence when others are attacking the innocent. Isn't that what the badge represents?"

Since Nancy's abduction, her family has released several public statements expressing their longing for her safe return and appealing directly to her kidnapper.

Her daughter, "Today" show co-anchor Savannah, also recently made an emotional plea to her mother's abductor, urging them to do the right thing.

According to People Magazine, the journalist and her loved ones are now reportedly leaning on each other for support while hoping for the best.

"This has been an incredibly emotional and stressful time for her and her family. They're leaning on one another for support while hoping for answers," said a source.