Tucson, Ariz. investigators are still working to solve the case of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing for six months. As the investigation nears its six-month mark, authorities are using DNA testing to gather evidence.
According to the Pima County Sheriff, a hair sample recovered inside Guthrie's home was sent to a California laboratory for additional DNA testing, but it came back negative for DNA. However, the sheriff emphasized that the lack of DNA does not necessarily mean the hair is not from the suspect.
Despite the setback, investigators have preserved the hair sample and believe it may still be of use later in the investigation. DNA testing remains a priority, and the sheriff said his team is working with multiple crime labs to analyze evidence collected from the home.
Investigative genetic genealogy research is also being used to generate leads from a family tree, utilizing rapid advances in DNA technology. The sheriff expressed optimism that DNA evidence will help resolve the case, saying "we're gonna get this thing resolved."
A combined reward of over $1.2 million remains unclaimed, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. A suspect was recorded by Guthrie's Nest doorbell camera, described as a person between 5 feet, 9 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall with a medium build, wearing a mask, long sleeves, and gloves, and carrying a black Ozark Trail bag.
