DNA sample now complicates Nancy Guthrie case as family raises $1M reward
DNA recovered from inside Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home may not produce a usable profile for investigators. That limits one of the clearest paths to identifying whoever took her nearly four weeks ago.
Sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News the sample is considered “low-level,” meaning there may not be enough material to generate a reliable match in federal or private databases. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said its contracted lab in Florida is still analyzing the evidence and has not determined whether the sample can produce a viable result.
As Straight Arrow News has reported, investigators have already confirmed that DNA recovered from gloves found about two miles from Guthrie’s home did not match any profiles in the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS. Detectives continue processing additional evidence collected during searches in the Catalina Foothills area.
This story is featured in today’s Unbiased Updates. Watch the full episode here.
Investigators pursue genetic genealogy
With no CODIS match, authorities are turning to genetic genealogy, comparing unidentified DNA to publicly available genealogy databases in search of relatives who could point them to a suspect. The technique helped identify the Golden State Killer after decades without a break.
Use of those databases depends on voluntary participation. Companies hosting the platforms allow users to opt in to law enforcement searches. Investigators have not said whether that process has produced any leads.
No suspect has been named. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said last week that Guthrie’s three adult children and their spouses have been cleared.
Family dramatically increases reward
At the same time, the Guthrie family is escalating its own effort.
Savannah Guthrie announced Tuesday that her family is offering up to $1 million for information that leads to her mother’s recovery. The FBI is separately offering a $100,000 reward for information that results in an arrest and conviction.
“It is Day 24 since our mom was taken in the dark of night from her bed, and every hour and minute and second and every long night has been agony since then” Guthrie said in a video message. “We need to know where she is. We need her to come home.”
Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home on Feb. 1. Doorbell camera footage released earlier this month shows a masked individual wearing a backpack approaching the residence that night. Authorities later described the person as a suspect but have not identified or arrested anyone.
The investigation remains active.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
