Nancy Guthrie Kidnap Case: Sheriff Reveals Major DNA Breakthrough as Investigation Hits 100 Days
TUCSON, Ariz. — Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos announced a significant development Wednesday in the abduction of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, revealing that advanced DNA testing has produced a partial profile from evidence at the scene, raising hopes of a breakthrough more than 100 days after the high-profile case began.
Speaking at a media briefing, Nanos said forensic genealogists working with the FBI have generated a usable DNA profile from a hair strand found on Nancy's porch that does not match any known family members or visitors. "This is a solid lead," Nanos told reporters. "We are actively working to identify the individual through genetic genealogy databases. We are getting closer."
The update comes exactly 103 days after Nancy was reported missing on February 1. Security footage captured a masked individual tampering with her doorbell camera the night before her disappearance. Blood was found on the porch, and authorities believe she was forcibly taken. A Bitcoin ransom demand followed but led nowhere.
Savannah Guthrie, Nancy's daughter and co-anchor of NBC's "Today" show, has maintained a low public profile on the investigation but posted an emotional plea on Mother's Day. "We will never stop looking for you," she wrote, accompanied by a family photo. The family continues to offer a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy's safe return, with the FBI adding its own $100,000 incentive.
The DNA development marks the most concrete progress reported publicly since the early weeks of the investigation. Earlier forensic work had been slowed by disagreements over laboratory choices,........
