Forensic analysis of a hair sample from Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Arizona, has not provided any leads, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos reported to CBS News. ‘It came back with no results,’ he stated.
The hair sample, which underwent testing and verification in early June, was found at Guthrie’s property. This marks the first public announcement of its results. Sheriff Nanos also mentioned that blood and other DNA found at the scene remain under examination, with no concrete outcomes yet.
Previously, CBS News disclosed that a DNA sample submitted by detectives to a Florida laboratory was eventually sent to the FBI’s crime lab in Quantico, Virginia. However, details about whether this pertained to the hair sample were not confirmed.
Nancy Guthrie, aged 84, disappeared after last being seen on January 31. She had been dining at her daughter Annie’s house. Security footage captured a potential suspect at her residence in the early hours of February 1. Investigators suspect an abduction and confirmed at least two ransom notes were received shortly after.
Sheriff Nanos emphasized, ‘Even when a case goes cold, we don’t give up on it. This one’s far from being cold.’ No new video evidence has surfaced beyond initial footage, and traffic cameras did not capture suspects.
When questioned about the possible local origins of the suspects, Nanos replied, ‘Absolutely,’ stressing that a high percentage of criminals often reside locally, despite lacking direct evidence.
In a plea, Savannah Guthrie addressed her mother’s captors via social media, urging, ‘Make the right choice. Help us find her. Tell us where to look for her.’
The sheriff also addressed criticism from FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the department’s involvement of the FBI. ‘I’ve never talked to him,’ Nanos said, focusing instead on the cooperation between their teams over the years.
Sheriff Nanos expressed optimism about solving the case, stating, ‘The bottom line here is this: We know more than you will ever know, because that’s how investigations work.’
Reporter Anna Schecter also contributed to this report.