Advanced DNA Testing in Nancy Guthrie Case
TUCSON, Ariz. – Experts indicate that the advanced DNA testing combining crime scene analysis with commercial genealogy databases could take weeks or even months for processing. This follows the discovery that the DNA from a glove found near Nancy Guthrie’s residence didn’t match any entries in the FBI database.
During a recent interview, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed that the DNA collected from Guthrie’s home, including the glove, yielded no matches in the FBI’s Composite DNA Index System. It’s also been reported that genetic genealogy research is ongoing as part of the investigation.
Nancy Guthrie was reportedly taken from her Tucson home in the early hours of February 1 and has not been seen since. It’s been noted that she did not leave voluntarily.
Former FBI Special Agent Jason Pack explained that investigative genetic genealogy is a technique that merges DNA analysis from crime scenes with information from public genealogy databases and traditional family tree methods.
Pack emphasized that this approach is distinct from CODIS, which traditionally compares crime scene DNA to individuals who have been arrested or convicted. He added that the process of conducting genetic genealogy investigations can be lengthy. Essentially, once a DNA profile is created, genealogists construct a family tree starting from distant relatives identified in databases like GEDmatch and FamilyTreeDNA, gradually narrowing down to a specific individual—a process that can vary in duration based on several factors.
There are multiple considerations that influence the timeline for these investigations, such as the number of family members who have submitted DNA tests and the clarity of the DNA sample itself. When fewer relatives participate in testing, the investigation can understandably take longer.
Interestingly, a spokesperson for Osram, the firm handling the genetic genealogy, claimed that identifying a match can sometimes be a relatively quick process, depending on various conditions.
In previous cases, the DNA strategy proved effective, as seen in the capture of the Golden State Killer in 2018, where DNA from crime scenes led investigators to distant cousins in a genealogy database, ultimately culminating in the identification of suspect Joseph DeAngelo.
Recently, Savannah Guthrie, host of NBC’s “Today” show and daughter of Nancy, released a heartfelt plea, expressing hope and belief in the goodness of humanity. She encouraged anyone with information regarding her mother’s whereabouts to come forward, stating, “It’s never too late to do the right thing.”
Timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance
January 31, 2026
• Between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. – Family drops Nancy off at home.
• 9:50 p.m. – Garage door closes.
February 1, 2026
• 1:47 a.m. – Doorbell camera disconnects.
• 2:12 a.m. – Surveillance detects movement.
• 2:28 a.m. – Pacemaker disconnects from phone app.
• 11:56 a.m. – Family checks on Nancy after she fails to attend her weekly church livestream.
• 12:03 p.m. — Family calls 911.
• 12:15 p.m. — Sheriff’s deputies arrive at the home.
