DNA evidence recovered from the home of Nancy Guthrie has been sent to the Federal Bureau of Investigation for advanced analysis, as the search for the missing 84-year-old continues. According to reports, the material — including hair samples — had previously been examined by a private laboratory in Florida used by the Pima County Sheriff’s Office. Earlier testing either failed to produce a match in CODIS, the FBI’s national DNA database, or returned “mixed” results involving more than one individual.
The Investigation So Far
Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on 1 February after she failed to attend a church service. Family members who checked on her found she was not at home. Investigators believe she may have been abducted in the early hours of that day. Authorities said her pacemaker lost connection with her phone at around 02:30, suggesting the device had moved out of range.
More than two months on, no suspects have been identified.
The FBI has released surveillance footage showing a masked individual appearing to tamper with a camera at Guthrie’s front door. Officials have also been examining forensic evidence from the property, but have not publicly identified any leads.
During the investigation, multiple messages claiming to be from the kidnappers have been sent to media outlet TMZ, demanding ransom payments in cryptocurrency. One recent note reportedly offered to provide information about those responsible in exchange for reward money. The FBI has not confirmed whether any of the messages are genuine, nor whether the family has had direct contact with those claiming responsibility.
The case has attracted widespread public attention, with a growing number of visitors, including online content creators, travelling to the neighbourhood.
Local authorities said police presence in the area had been increased following complaints from residents about alleged harassment and possible trespassing.
What Experts Are Saying
Dr Gary Brucato, a forensic researcher, told NewsNation the circumstances suggested the person responsible may have been known to the victim. “(The person) who did this probably has some passing relationship, at least, with this victim,” he said, adding that the individual may have spent time inside the home.
He also suggested the suspect may have previously come into contact with law enforcement. “The probability is very high that the person has had a long history of either inappropriate behaviour that people would remember or criminal behaviour,” he said.
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest and conviction of those involved.
