Investigation Continues in Case of Missing Woman Nancy Guthrie
A forensic test conducted on a hair sample from the home of Nancy Guthrie, the missing mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, in Tucson, Arizona, has returned inconclusive results. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos shared with CBS News on Thursday that the sample did not provide any leads or point to a suspect.
The sheriff’s department confirmed these test results were verified in early June, but only recently made this information public. Sheriff Nanos mentioned that there is additional DNA, including blood, found at the scene, which is undergoing analysis but has not yet delivered any new results. “I know that there was blood at the scene and so that was also part of the processing of the scene,” Nanos added.
In May, CBS News reported that a different DNA sample, submitted by sheriff’s detectives to a private lab in Florida, had been sent to the FBI’s crime lab in Quantico, Virginia. However, no further details about this sample, including whether it was the same hair sample, have been confirmed.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on January 31, after dining at her daughter Annie’s home. Security footage from Guthrie’s residence showed an unknown individual at her door on February 1, leading investigators to suspect abduction. Authorities have identified at least two ransom notes sent shortly after her disappearance.
Nanos stressed, “Even when a case goes cold, we don’t give up on it. We continue to work it. This one’s far from being cold. God forbid this ever takes 50 years, but it could.”
The investigation has not uncovered new surveillance footage beyond the initial release. The suspect or suspects seem to have avoided traffic cameras. When asked if the suspects might be local to Tucson, Nanos replied, “Absolutely.” He cited general crime patterns, stating that “by far, 90%, 95% of your criminals are where? Right here locally.”
Recently, Savannah Guthrie shared a heartfelt video plea on social media, addressing her mother’s kidnappers. “So I’m asking you, begging you to do the right thing now,” she said. “Make the right choice. Help us find her. Tell us where to look for her. I truly believe it is never too late to do the right thing.”
Sheriff Nanos responded to criticism from FBI Director Kash Patel, who previously accused the sheriff’s department of delaying the FBI’s involvement. “I’ve never talked to him,” Nanos said regarding Patel. “If I needed him, I’m sure I could talk to him. What I need is to know that his team and my team are working close together and that absolutely they are and they have been for decades.”
Nanos maintains optimism for resolving the case, asserting, “The bottom line here is this: We know more than you will ever know, because that’s how investigations work.”
Anna Schecter contributed to this report.