Genetic Genealogy Aids Investigators in Nancy Guthrie Case

Technique has cracked high-profile cases before, but raises privacy concerns

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Investigators in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie, have turned to genetic genealogy as they search for clues. The technique has been used to solve other notable cases, including the Golden State Killer and the Idaho college student murders, by building family trees from DNA evidence. However, the use of commercial DNA databases for criminal investigations has raised questions about privacy and consent.

Why it matters

Genetic genealogy has proven to be a powerful investigative tool, but its use in criminal cases has sparked concerns about privacy and the extent to which people understand how their DNA data could be used. The Nancy Guthrie case highlights the potential benefits and ethical dilemmas surrounding this emerging forensic technique.

The details

Investigators in the Nancy Guthrie case have said they are exploring the use of genetic genealogy after DNA evidence collected at the scene did not match any entries in the national CoDIS database. The technique involves building family trees from DNA samples to identify potential suspects. It has been used to crack high-profile cases like the Golden State Killer and the Idaho college student murders. However, the use of commercial DNA databases for these investigations has raised questions about privacy and consent, as many people may not fully understand how their genetic data could be used.

  • Nearly three weeks after Nancy Guthrie, 84, was believed to have been forcibly taken from her Tucson home in the middle of the night
  • In 2018, the Golden State Killer was arrested after a DNA sample was submitted to a public genealogy database
  • In 2022, Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to killing four Idaho college students, with investigators using genetic genealogy to tie him to the crime

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who was believed to have been forcibly taken from her Tucson home.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the 'Today' show and Nancy Guthrie's daughter.

Bryan Kohberger

A man who pleaded guilty to killing four Idaho college students in 2022, with investigators using genetic genealogy to tie him to the crime.

Joseph DeAngelo

The so-called 'Golden State Killer' who was arrested in 2018 after a DNA sample was submitted to a public genealogy database.

Emanuel Katranakis

A former deputy chief with the New York Police Department who spent 25 years in the NYPD's Forensics Investigations Division.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The use of genetic genealogy in criminal investigations has proven effective in solving high-profile cases, but it also raises significant privacy concerns as people may not fully understand how their DNA data could be used. The Nancy Guthrie case highlights the need for clear guidelines and consent protocols around the use of this emerging forensic technique.