Investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance Continues
The search for Nancy Guthrie, who went missing from her Tucson home, is facing delays as genetic testing proceeds. A prominent genetic genealogist has suggested that it may be months before results from a hair sample sent to the FBI arrive. However, there’s some hope that answers could come sooner than expected.
It has now been over 80 days since Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reportedly abducted. CeCe Moore, a leading expert at Parabon NanoLab, expressed her thoughts on the situation. “Typically, it can take a few months, but given the attention this case has received, it might move faster. Most other cases are often cold, so they might prioritize this one,” she explained. Still, the outcomes are uncertain, as it could require multiple attempts to successfully extract DNA.
During the investigation, tensions arose between local and federal agencies. In the early stages, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department opted to send DNA evidence to a private lab in Florida, named DNA Lab International, rather than directly to the FBI.
After 11 weeks without progress, the samples were eventually transferred to the FBI for further testing. “Two months back, the FBI had recommended that DNA testing be done using their current methods. However, the local sheriff chose a commercial lab instead,” noted Ben Williamson, the FBI’s deputy director of public affairs. Updates on the case will follow as they develop, but the specific origins of the hair and potential suspects remain unclear.
Moore, reflecting on the challenge of identifying hair samples, mentioned that while rootless samples complicate things, they can still yield results. “If the conditions are right, we can quickly create a SNP profile from this hair and hopefully track down its owner,” she stated.
This technique, known as Investigative Genealogy, merges DNA data with traditional investigative methods. It utilizes various resources, from genetics to public records, to trace ancestral connections and gather crucial insights about potential suspects.
As the inquiry proceeds, there’s a pressing hope that the hair belongs to Nancy’s abductor. “Let’s just cross our fingers that it is indeed linked to the person who took her and not just an innocent visitor,” Moore added.
To date, unclaimed rewards of more than $1.2 million remain in this case. Those with any relevant information are encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
