In Tucson, Arizona, investigators have hit a roadblock in the case of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed in a recent interview that they couldn’t obtain a DNA profile from a hair sample found at Nancy Guthrie’s home. This news unfolds as the case nears six months since Guthrie went missing.
Nanos stated, “Yes, there was a hair. We had it and thought, ‘OK, well, we’ll do the DNA first.’ You’re going to do DNA before something else.” Working with the FBI, the team sent the hair sample to a California laboratory for further DNA analysis.
It came back … there’s no DNA,Nanos reported. “But does that mean the hair isn’t that of the suspect? We won’t know that till we have the suspect’s hair. You don’t just destroy it.” The hair sample has been preserved for future use.
Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since February 1, 2026. The absence of DNA evidence from the hair sample is one aspect of the ongoing DNA work, but other samples from the home are being tested as well.
DNA testing is a priority in this investigation. Nanos mentioned that they continue to collaborate with various crime labs to analyze all collected evidence.
The sheriff emphasized the role of investigative genetic genealogy, which generates leads from family trees, especially as DNA technology swiftly advances.
That’s really where some of my optimism is, that I just know that we’re gonna get this thing resolved,said Nanos.
There is a significant reward of over $1.2 million available, yet unclaimed. The family, along with law enforcement, urges anyone with information to come forward as they believe that someone holds the key to cracking the case.
The FBI recorded a suspect on Guthrie’s Nest doorbell camera. He is described as being between 5 feet, 9 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with a medium build, wearing a mask, long sleeves, gloves, and a black Ozark Trail backpack.
People with tips about the case are encouraged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI. Anonymous tips leading to an arrest can result in a reward by calling 520-88-CRIME.