More than 100 days after Savannah Guthrie’s mother disappeared from her Arizona home, investigators are still searching for answers. But now, a crucial piece of DNA evidence could become the biggest break in the case so far.
Authorities confirmed that genetic material recovered from Nancy Guthrie’s property remains under analysis as the investigation continues.
Nancy, 84, vanished on Feb. 1 after a masked man armed with a handgun was reportedly captured on surveillance footage outside her Tucson-area home.
Hope rests on the DNA evidence as Savannah Guthrie’s mom Nancy remains missing
According to RadarOnline.com, detectives with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department initially sent the DNA sample to a private laboratory in Florida before it was later transferred to the FBI for additional testing.
Authorities have not publicly revealed what type of DNA was recovered or exactly where the evidence was discovered inside Nancy’s home. However, law enforcement sources told CBS News the analysis remains ongoing as investigators continue trying to identify potential suspects connected to the disappearance.
Retired FBI special agent Jason Pack explained that advanced DNA analysis often becomes a lengthy process because investigators sometimes need to build extensive genealogical profiles and family trees to identify unknown individuals.
Former FBI agent Lance Leising also noted that the significance of the evidence could depend heavily on where the DNA was found inside the residence.
“An item containing DNA, such as a strand of hair found somewhere in a house, is one thing,” Leising explained. “But a strand of hair near the victim’s last known location, such as in her bed, would be a high priority for the FBI.”
Meanwhile, criticism surrounding the handling of the investigation has continued to grow. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos faced scrutiny after reports surfaced claiming local authorities delayed involving federal investigators in the DNA testing process.
Still, Nanos defended the decision to keep details surrounding the evidence private.
“It would be highly inappropriate of me to speak to the evidence,” he said. “We have to keep the integrity of this case.”
The disappearance has drawn widespread public attention in part because Savannah Guthrie has continued publicly pleading for help locating her mother. Over Mother’s Day weekend, the Today co-anchor shared an emotional tribute online alongside family photos and videos.
“We miss you with every breath,” Savannah wrote. “We will never stop looking for you.”
Authorities have continued urging anyone with information tied to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance to contact the FBI tip line.
TELL US — DO YOU THINK DNA EVIDENCE WILL ULTIMATELY SOLVE THE NANCY GUTHRIE CASE?
