FBI Analyzing DNA Evidence in Nancy Guthrie Abduction Case

Investigators continue search for clues in the high-profile kidnapping of the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 10:53pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single piece of evidence from the Nancy Guthrie abduction case, such as a piece of jewelry or a household item, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the investigative efforts to uncover new leads.Investigators hope new forensic analysis of evidence from the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case will provide critical clues to her abductor's identity.Tucson Today

The FBI has received and is now analyzing a potentially critical DNA sample recovered from the Tucson, Arizona home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, who was abducted from her home on February 1. The DNA sample, which was sent to the FBI by a private Florida lab working with the Pima County Sheriff's Department, is being examined using advanced analysis techniques in the hopes of identifying Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper.

Why it matters

The DNA evidence could provide a major breakthrough in the high-profile case that has garnered national attention, as investigators have struggled to make progress since Nancy Guthrie's abduction. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has described the DNA sample as complex, requiring extensive work to separate and isolate any usable evidence.

The details

The DNA sample itself is not new, having been collected from Nancy Guthrie's home since the February abduction. However, the FBI is now using new technology to conduct advanced analysis on the sample in an effort to identify a suspect. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said it could take up to six more months to fully separate and analyze the strands of DNA, which came from more than one person.

  • Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her Tucson, Arizona home on February 1, 2026.
  • The DNA sample was recently sent to the FBI by a private Florida lab working with the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, who was abducted from her Tucson, Arizona home on February 1, 2026.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of the 'Today' show, who is the daughter of Nancy Guthrie and has spoken publicly about the anguish of her mother's abduction.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff, who has provided updates on the investigation and the complex DNA evidence recovered from Nancy Guthrie's home.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that is now analyzing the DNA sample recovered from Nancy Guthrie's home using advanced techniques in the hopes of identifying her kidnapper.

Pima County Sheriff's Department

The local law enforcement agency that has been leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's abduction and working with the FBI and other labs on the DNA evidence.

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What they’re saying

“'Someone can do the right thing,' she said.”

— Savannah Guthrie, TV host

“'Honestly, we don't know anything.'”

— Savannah Guthrie, TV host

“'We still don't know … Honestly, we don't know anything.'”

— Savannah Guthrie, TV host

“'If it is me, I'm so sorry.'”

— Savannah Guthrie, TV host

“'I'm so sorry, Mommy, I'm so sorry,'”

— Savannah Guthrie, TV host

What’s next

The FBI is continuing its advanced analysis of the DNA sample, which could take up to six more months to fully separate and examine. Investigators are hopeful the DNA evidence will provide a crucial breakthrough in the case and help identify Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper.

The takeaway

The FBI's analysis of the DNA evidence recovered from Nancy Guthrie's home represents a critical next step in the high-profile investigation into her abduction. With the family and public desperate for answers, the DNA sample could prove pivotal in cracking the case and providing closure for Savannah Guthrie and her loved ones.