FBI Analyzing Hair Sample in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Case

The sample was recovered from Guthrie's home and could contain DNA linked to her abductor.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:54am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single human hair against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, and investigative aesthetic.As investigators race to analyze a critical DNA sample, the search for clues in the mysterious disappearance of Nancy Guthrie continues.Pima Today

The FBI has confirmed it is analyzing a hair sample that was recovered from Nancy Guthrie's home in February and could contain DNA evidence related to her disappearance. The sample was initially sent to a private lab in Florida before being transferred to the FBI Laboratory for advanced testing using new technology. Officials remain committed to the investigation, which has yet to name any suspects more than two months after Guthrie was reported missing on February 1.

Why it matters

The potential DNA evidence from the hair sample could be a major breakthrough in the high-profile case of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, which has garnered national attention. Investigators are hoping the advanced analysis will provide new leads and help identify Guthrie's abductor.

The details

The hair sample was recovered from Guthrie's home in February and initially sent to a private lab in Florida. After 11 weeks, the lab transferred the original sample to the FBI Laboratory, where it is now undergoing 'new technology' analysis to search for DNA evidence. Officials have confirmed there is no other new DNA evidence in the case, and the various labs around the country are still working to untangle and analyze the samples recovered from Guthrie's home, which came from more than one person.

  • The hair sample was recovered from Guthrie's home in February 2026.
  • The private lab in Florida received the sample and held it for 11 weeks before transferring it to the FBI in April 2026.
  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, 2026.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The victim who was reported missing on February 1, 2026.

Savannah Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie's sister, who has returned to work on the Today show after taking two months off amid the investigation.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who previously confirmed that various labs around the country are working on the DNA evidence recovered from Guthrie's home.

Hoda Kotb

The Today show host who interviewed Savannah Guthrie in March about the disappearance.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that is now analyzing the hair sample recovered from Guthrie's home using advanced technology.

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What they’re saying

“There is no new DNA evidence in the Nancy Guthrie case. The FBI requested this material over two months ago. The Pima County Sheriff's Office sent it to a private lab in Florida. Eleven weeks later, that lab has now transferred an original hair sample to the FBI Laboratory for testing. We remain fully committed to this investigation.”

— FBI Official

“Someone needs to do the right thing. We are in agony. It is unbearable.”

— Savannah Guthrie

What’s next

The FBI is using 'new technology to conduct advanced analysis' on the hair sample, which could lead to a major breakthrough in the case. Officials remain committed to the investigation and are hopeful the DNA evidence will provide new leads to help identify Nancy Guthrie's abductor.

The takeaway

The potential DNA evidence from the hair sample is a critical development in the high-profile disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, which has left her family and the community in anguish. Investigators are racing against the clock to analyze the sample and uncover any new clues that could help solve the case.