The FBI has received DNA evidence from Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home, including results from a hair sample, as investigators continue their analysis more than 11 weeks after the 84-year-old’s February kidnapping.
Authorities submitted genetic material collected from the residence to the FBI for advanced testing, according to sources familiar with the investigation. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed it has been sharing information with federal lab partners throughout the case.
What the DNA Evidence Shows
Investigative genetic genealogist CeCe Moore of Parabon NanoLabs told reporters that a hair sample would likely not be part of a mixed DNA profile already under analysis. “Not after it is cleaned for contamination,” Moore said. “They have that process in good shape, but it can take some time.”
Experts have indicated the sample appears to be a complex mixture containing genetic material from three or more individuals. At least one contributor to the DNA evidence is male, authorities said.
An earlier DNA sample submitted to the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System did not produce a match against the database. A separate mixed, partial DNA sample was not strong enough to generate a profile suitable for comparison.
Other Evidence in the Investigation
Investigators confirmed that blood found on Guthrie’s front porch belonged to her. A glove recovered about two miles from her home resembled one worn by a masked individual captured on a Nest doorbell camera, but testing produced no DNA match.
Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated that DNA recovered from the scene has not yet identified a suspect in the February 1 kidnapping.
The Family’s Appeal
A total reward exceeding $1.2 million has been offered for information in the case, including $1 million from the Guthrie family. Savannah Guthrie, a co-host of NBC’s Today show, told viewers last month that her family is in “agony” following her mother’s disappearance.
“Someone needs to do the right thing. We are in agony, we are in agony,” Savannah told co-host Hoda Kotb during an emotional on-air appearance. The family urges anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
This story has been updated. CNN’s investigative unit contributed to this report.
