DNA Expert Advises FBI to Reswab Nancy Guthrie's Home

Genetic genealogist CeCe Moore says the perpetrator likely left behind DNA evidence.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:57pm

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A DNA expert has advised the FBI to re-swab parts of Nancy Guthrie's home in Tucson, Arizona, as the search for the missing 84-year-old continues. CeCe Moore, a genetic genealogist, said she believes the perpetrator likely left behind DNA evidence, such as a rootless hair, despite efforts to avoid detection.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has garnered national attention and prompted a multiagency search. DNA evidence could be crucial in identifying the perpetrator and locating Guthrie, who requires daily medication and whose absence could be fatal.

The details

Moore said she finds it "very hard to believe the perpetrator didn't leave his DNA behind," noting that the person likely had a bite, flashlight, or other object in their mouth during the incident, which could have transferred DNA to the outside of a glove or other surfaces. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has submitted all collected DNA evidence for forensic analysis, but the results have not been made public.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home on January 31, 2026.
  • Alleged ransom notes were found after Guthrie's disappearance.

The players

CeCe Moore

A genetic genealogist who has advised the FBI to re-swab parts of Nancy Guthrie's home in search of DNA evidence.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff, who has said that there were clues at the crime scene indicating that Guthrie "did not leave on her own."

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the Today show and Nancy Guthrie's daughter, who has appealed to the public for help in finding her mother.

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What they’re saying

“We think he had that bite, flashlight in his mouth, and I doubt he kept it in his mouth for the full 40 minutes or so that he was there. So as careful as he was to try to not leave his DNA, he would've taken that out of his mouth, and he would've immediately had his DNA all over the outside of that glove, and he had to have touched something.”

— CeCe Moore, Genetic Genealogist (Break the Case With Jen Coffindaffer)

“We feel the love and prayers from our neighbors, from the Tucson community and from around the country. Please don't stop praying and hoping with us. Bring her home.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Instagram)

“I think from day one, we had some strong beliefs about what happened, and those beliefs haven't diminished.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (NBC News)

What’s next

The FBI is offering a reward for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. Additionally, 88-CRIME is offering a $102,500 reward for the arrest of the person or persons involved. Savannah Guthrie has also announced that the family is offering a reward for her mother's recovery.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of DNA evidence in solving complex crimes, even when perpetrators attempt to avoid leaving traces. The FBI's decision to re-examine the crime scene based on the DNA expert's advice could prove crucial in locating Nancy Guthrie and identifying the responsible party.