Former FBI Agent Criticizes Handling of Nancy Guthrie DNA Evidence

Jen Coffindaffer says the Guthrie family should be upset that the evidence was not sent directly to the FBI lab.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 3:34pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a DNA sample vial against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the importance of properly processing forensic evidence in a missing persons investigation.The mishandling of critical DNA evidence in the Nancy Guthrie case raises troubling questions about law enforcement protocols and the pursuit of justice.Quantico Today

Former FBI special agent Jen Coffindaffer has criticized the handling of DNA evidence in the case of missing Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie. Coffindaffer says the Guthrie family should be upset that a private Florida lab sent the DNA sample to the FBI's national crime laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, rather than sending it there directly from the onset.

Why it matters

The case has garnered national attention, and the handling of key evidence like DNA samples is crucial to the investigation. Coffindaffer's comments suggest potential missteps that could undermine the case and frustrate the Guthrie family's pursuit of answers.

The details

According to reports, a private Florida lab that was working with the Pima County Sheriff's Department recently sent a DNA sample to the FBI, even though the bureau had requested the physical evidence, including DNA, be sent to its lab in Quantico over two months earlier. Coffindaffer believes there was no reason to 'waste 70-some-odd days' before sending the evidence to the FBI, which she says has the 'most advanced sophistication' in DNA analysis techniques that could have assisted the case.

  • On February 13, the FBI requested physical evidence, including DNA, from the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
  • Less than two weeks after Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, the FBI made the request for evidence.
  • The private Florida lab reportedly sent the DNA sample to the FBI 77 days after the initial request.

The players

Jen Coffindaffer

A former FBI special agent who has commented on the handling of the Nancy Guthrie case on her True Crime podcast.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who insisted on using a private Florida lab to process the DNA evidence, rather than sending it directly to the FBI as requested.

Savannah Guthrie

The Today co-anchor whose mother, Nancy Guthrie, has been reported missing.

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What they’re saying

“When I read that, I just shook my head. If Florida didn't have [advanced technology] they never should have had it, the sample. They should have never done it that way. They should never [have sent] it down there. In fact, it should have gone straight to the [FBI] lab from the onset. And I'll tell you this, I guarantee the FBI agreed to do that.”

— Jen Coffindaffer, Former FBI Special Agent

“Seventy-seven days is a long time to do something pro bono. And I think that that's a factor we're not hearing about. Nobody wants to talk about that.”

— Jen Coffindaffer, Former FBI Special Agent

“Knowing that they had that technology, [that] really should have the Guthrie family and anybody who cares about justice for Nancy upset, because that is not tracking at all.”

— Jen Coffindaffer, Former FBI Special Agent

What’s next

The Pima County Sheriff's Department has not yet commented on Coffindaffer's criticisms. It remains to be seen if the Guthrie family will publicly express their frustration with the handling of the DNA evidence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of proper evidence handling and the need for law enforcement agencies to work collaboratively, especially in high-profile missing persons investigations. Coffindaffer's comments suggest potential missteps that could undermine public trust and the Guthrie family's pursuit of answers.