FBI Analyzes DNA Evidence in Guthrie Disappearance Case

Advanced forensic tools used on hair sample from Arizona home

Apr. 17, 2026 at 11:00am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single hair strand against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the meticulous forensic investigation into the Guthrie case.Advanced DNA analysis of a key piece of evidence could unlock new leads in the high-profile disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.Tucson Today

Federal investigators are taking a fresh look at a piece of evidence in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who was abducted from her Tucson home on Feb. 1. The FBI is now using advanced forensic tools to try to pull usable DNA from a hair sample collected at the scene, which appears to contain genetic material from more than one person.

Why it matters

The Guthrie case has garnered national attention, and the use of advanced DNA analysis techniques could provide crucial leads in the ongoing investigation. The potential presence of multiple DNA samples at the scene also raises questions about the number of individuals involved in the abduction.

The details

A private lab working with the Pima County Sheriff's Department recently transferred a hair sample collected in February to the FBI, which is now using advanced forensic tools to try to pull usable DNA from it. Authorities have said the DNA from Guthrie's home appears to contain genetic material from more than one person, requiring lengthy analysis that could stretch another six months. According to Fox News, some experts believe there could be DNA from three people in some of the samples collected at the scene.

  • On February 1, Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her Tucson home.
  • In February, a hair sample was collected from Guthrie's home.
  • 11 weeks ago, the hair sample was transferred from a Florida lab to the FBI.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who was abducted from her Tucson home.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-anchor of the Today show and daughter of Nancy Guthrie.

Pima County Sheriff's Department

The local law enforcement agency working with a private lab on the Guthrie case.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency now using advanced forensic tools to analyze DNA evidence in the Guthrie case.

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What they’re saying

“Savannah Guthrie has spoken publicly about her mother's abduction, saying her family 'cannot be at peace' until they get answers.”

— Savannah Guthrie

What’s next

The FBI's analysis of the DNA evidence could take up to six months, and authorities are hopeful that it will provide crucial leads in the ongoing investigation.

The takeaway

The use of advanced forensic technology in the Guthrie case highlights the importance of thorough and meticulous investigation, even in cases that have gone cold. The potential presence of multiple DNA samples also underscores the complexity of such cases and the need for patience and perseverance in the pursuit of justice.