TUCSON, Ariz. — Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided a candid update on Friday in the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, highlighting significant hurdles posed by mixed DNA evidence discovered in her home.
Nanos, speaking to NBC News correspondent Erin McLaughlin, explained that the DNA sample found inside Nancy's residence contains genetic material from multiple individuals, complicating efforts to match it against national databases. "Our lab tells us there’s challenges with it," Nanos said. "The DNA found inside Nancy’s home is ‘mixed.’” This mixed profile, according to the sheriff, arises when DNA from more than one person is present, a common issue in forensic investigations that can delay identifications.
The challenges come as authorities race against time in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing on February 1 after failing to join friends for a virtual church service. Her home in Tucson, Arizona, has become the focal point of the investigation, where the unfamiliar DNA was confirmed on February 13. A statement from the Pima County Sheriff's Office at the time noted, “DNA other than Nancy Guthrie’s and those in close contact to her” was discovered, though officials declined to specify its location. “Investigators are working to identify who it belongs to,” the statement added, shared with multiple media outlets.
Despite the setback, Nanos expressed optimism about advancing technology potentially resolving the DNA issues. “The technology is moving so fast and it’s such a frenzy that they think some of this stuff will resolve itself just in a matter of weeks, months or maybe a year,” he told McLaughlin. This comes amid broader frustrations in the case, which has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie's prominence as co-anchor of the Today show.
Investigators have methodically ruled out family members as suspects early in the probe. On February 16, Nanos addressed media speculation directly during an interview with KOLD 12 News. “Not one single person in the family is a suspect,” he stated firmly. “So I am telling everyone, effective today, you guys [media] need to knock it off, quit. People are hurting. They are victims. I am saying they are clear. We have cleared them.” This clearance includes Savannah Guthrie, her brother Camron, her sister Annie, and their respective family members, emphasizing the emotional toll on those close to Nancy.
The search intensified on February 12 when the FBI released details from security camera footage capturing a suspicious individual at Nancy's home. The footage shows a masked man attempting to disable the front door camera. Authorities described the potential subject as “a male, approximately 5’9’’ – 5’10’’ tall, with an average build. In [a newly-obtained security] video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack.” This release aimed to jog public memory and generate leads.
Public response has been robust, with the sheriff's office reporting 12,000 tips from citizens since Nancy's disappearance. To encourage more information, officials doubled the reward to $100,000 for any tips leading to her rescue or recovery. Nanos acknowledged the volume of leads but stressed the need for patience in sifting through them. “In terms of leads and working and getting out there, I think that [the investigation] is still growing, yeah,” he said on Friday.
Yet, the sheriff admitted the pace feels agonizingly slow. “It’s never fast enough for the sheriff,” Nanos remarked. “I want it like you — come on guys, let’s go, let’s go, let’s find her. But the reality is that I also know that sometimes things take time.” He noted there are currently “no names” under active pursuit but expressed confidence that investigators are closing in. “I think we’re getting closer to identifying some of the other articles, not just that backpack — like the shoes, the pants, the shirt or jacket,” Nanos added.
The case has not been without internal tensions. Earlier reports surfaced of disputes between local authorities and federal agents, including claims that the sheriff's office blocked the FBI from accessing certain evidence. Nanos pushed back against these allegations in a separate statement, defending the collaboration. Related coverage has described the search as a 'race against time,' underscoring the urgency given Nancy's age and the two weeks she has been missing as of late February.
Background on Nancy Guthrie reveals a vibrant retiree who moved to Tucson for its sunny climate after raising her family in Australia and the United States. Savannah Guthrie has publicly shared her mother's love for hiking and community involvement, painting a picture of a woman deeply embedded in her local circle. The virtual church service she missed was a routine weekly event, making her absence immediately alarming to friends who alerted authorities.
Investigators continue to canvass the neighborhood around Nancy's home, reviewing additional surveillance from nearby properties and following up on the flood of tips. The FBI's involvement has brought additional resources, including forensic experts to tackle the DNA conundrum. While no person of interest has been named, the detailed description of the backpack-wearing individual has sparked several promising inquiries, according to sources close to the case.
Nanos ended his interview with a resolute message for the Guthrie family. When asked directly, he replied, “We’re not quitting. We will find her. Yeah.” This assurance comes as the family grapples with uncertainty, with Savannah Guthrie stepping back from some professional duties to focus on the search efforts.
The disappearance has broader implications for how missing persons cases involving high-profile families are handled, spotlighting the interplay between local law enforcement and federal agencies. In Arizona, where elderly abductions are not uncommon, this case could influence protocols for DNA analysis in residential settings. Experts in forensics have noted that mixed DNA samples are increasingly prevalent with advanced testing, but resolution times vary widely based on database matches.
As the investigation enters its third week, authorities urge the public to remain vigilant. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Pima County Sheriff's Office hotline or the FBI's tip line. With the reward now at $100,000, hopes remain high that a breakthrough is imminent, potentially reuniting Nancy Guthrie with her loved ones.
Though challenges persist, the commitment from law enforcement is unwavering. The search for Nancy Guthrie, once a routine day turned into a nightmare, continues to mobilize resources and community support in Tucson and beyond.