Former Police Captain Weighs In on DNA Evidence in Guthrie Case

Retired officer discusses potential significance of forensic findings at victim's home.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

CNN interviewed Josh Schirard, a former Galveston County police captain, about the discovery of DNA evidence on the property of Nancy Guthrie, a local resident whose mysterious disappearance is under investigation. Schirard provided expert analysis on how such forensic evidence could impact the case and the investigation's next steps.

Why it matters

The discovery of DNA at the crime scene is a potentially critical development that could help identify suspects or provide clues about what happened to Guthrie. As a former high-ranking law enforcement official, Schirard's insights offer valuable perspective on the evidentiary significance and investigative implications of the forensic findings.

The details

According to Schirard, the presence of DNA at the Guthrie residence suggests the possibility of a physical altercation or other direct contact between the victim and an unknown individual. He noted that forensic analysts will now work to determine whose DNA was found and how it relates to the case. Schirard emphasized that DNA evidence, if properly collected and analyzed, can be a powerful tool for identifying suspects and establishing connections to a crime scene.

  • The DNA evidence was discovered during the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

The players

Josh Schirard

A former police captain with the Galveston County Police Department, Schirard provided expert analysis on the potential significance of the DNA evidence found at Nancy Guthrie's home.

Nancy Guthrie

A local resident whose mysterious disappearance is the focus of the police investigation where the DNA evidence was discovered.

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What they’re saying

“The discovery of DNA at the crime scene is a potentially critical development that could help identify suspects or provide clues about what happened to Guthrie.”

— Josh Schirard, Former Galveston County Police Captain (CNN)

What’s next

Forensic analysts will now work to determine whose DNA was found and how it relates to the case against Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

The takeaway

As a former high-ranking law enforcement official, Schirard's insights offer valuable perspective on the evidentiary significance and investigative implications of the forensic findings, which could prove crucial in solving this mysterious case.