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By Khaleda Rahman
National Correspondent
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The FBI has clarified that the DNA evidence from Nancy Guthrie's home that the FBI is now reviewing in connection with the 84-year-old disappearance is "not new."
It was reported last week that the FBI is now analyzing the evidence, including a hair, as the search for the missing mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie continues for a third month.
“Still receiving inquiries on this: this is not new evidence or information," Ben Williamson, assistant director for public affairs at the FBI, wrote on X.
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"FBI asked to test this DNA 2 months ago with the same technology we’ve always had - when the local Sheriff instead sent it to a private lab. Any further developments we will share as soon as appropriate."
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What We Know About DNA Evidence So Far
A private Florida lab that works with the Pima County Sheriff's Department recently sent the sample to the FBI, ABC News reported last week, citing sources familiar with the investigation. The FBI is utilizing new technology to conduct advanced analysis on the sample, the sources told the outlet.
The DNA evidence includes hair, according to NewsNation.
Genetic genealogist CeCe Moore told NewsNation this week that the hair "absolutely can make the case solvable."
"If they really do have a rootless hair and it is from that kidnapper, then this is going to be the piece of information that will solve the case," she said.
The sheriff's department responded to the reports about the DNA evidence last week to say it has worked with the FBI since the start of the investigation.
"This is not new information. The private lab we utilize in Florida continues to share information with the FBI lab & other partner labs across the country. DNA analysis remains ongoing," the sheriff's department wrote on X.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has previously said DNA collected from Guthrie's home was "mixed," meaning it contains genetic material from more than one person. He said the lab that received the sample reported challenges, and it could be months or even longer before it gets to a point where the evidence can be submitted for investigative genetic genealogy.
In an interview last month, Nanos said investigators had DNA they believed was "still workable" in the case.
How Long Has Nancy Guthrie Been Missing?
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, on January 31 and reported missing the following day. Authorities believe she was kidnapped and said drops of her blood were found on the front porch.
Her disappearance has prompted a multiagency search involving local law enforcement and the FBI.
In February, the FBI released surveillance footage from a doorbell camera, showing a masked man, whom they called a suspect, outside Guthrie's front door on the night she disappeared. Since then, investigators have neither identified a suspect nor provided details of any significant breakthroughs in the case.
What Happens Next
The investigation into Guthrie's disappearance remains ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), 520-351-4900 or 88-CRIME or visit tips.fbi.gov.
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