TUCSON, Ariz. — Investigators have been unable to obtain a DNA profile from a hair sample found inside the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie who has been missing for nearly six months, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed Thursday.
The update comes as the case approaches the six-month mark since Guthrie was last seen on February 1, 2026, at her residence in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson.
Key Details from Sheriff’s Update
TUCSON, Ariz. — A DNA profile could not be obtained from a hair sample found inside Nancy Guthrie’s home. This was confirmed Thursday by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. Nancy Guthrie is the 84-year-old mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie. She has been missing for nearly six months.abcnews+2
The update arrives as the case approaches the six-month mark. Guthrie was last seen on February 1, 2026. She was at her residence in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson.
Key Details from Sheriff’s Update
The hair was discovered inside Guthrie’s home. It was initially prioritized for DNA testing. Sheriff Nanos shared this information with Fox News Digital.foxnews
“Yes, there was a hair. We had it and thought, ‘OK, well, we’ll do the DNA first,’ right? You’re going to do DNA before something else,” Nanos explained.foxnews
The sample was sent to a California laboratory. Additional DNA testing was conducted there. The work was done in coordination with the FBI.foxnews
“It came back … there’s no DNA,” Nanos said. “But does that mean the hair isn’t that of the suspect? We won’t know that till we have the suspect’s hair. You don’t just destroy it.”foxnews
The hair sample has been preserved by investigators. It may still provide valuable evidence through other forensic methods. Future use remains possible.foxnews
“There’s other things that hair may prove valuable for, but right now it was just about, ‘Is there any DNA there?’ And the answer was no,” the sheriff said. “That was just a matter of weeks ago.”foxnews
Broader DNA Analysis Continues
The hair sample represents only one component of the ongoing DNA work. Other pieces of evidence are also being analyzed. Investigators continue collaborating with multiple crime labs. Evidence was collected from Guthrie’s home.abcnews+2
“Anything we can grasp onto with DNA is a part of this investigation,” Nanos said.foxnews
Investigative genetic genealogy research is also being used. Family tree databases are employed to generate leads from DNA evidence. Advances in DNA technology were noted by the sheriff. Optimism was expressed about eventually resolving the case.foxnews
“That’s really where some of my optimism is, that I just know that we’re gonna get this thing resolved,” Nanos said.foxnews
A mixed DNA sample was also recovered from the home. Genetic material from as many as four people was found. It has not yet been linked to a suspect. Blood and other biological evidence remain under analysis.abcnews+1
Case Background and Suspect Information
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 2, 2026. She failed to appear for a family game night the previous evening. She was taken from her home against her will. This potentially occurred in the early hours of the morning.
At least one suspect was captured on Guthrie’s Nest doorbell camera. The individual was described by the FBI. He is between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall. A medium build was noted. A mask, long sleeves and gloves were worn. A black Ozark Trail backpack was carried. It has been identified.foxnews
Reward and Tips
A combined reward of more than $1.2 million remains unclaimed. Information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s safe return is sought. Arrests of those responsible would also qualify.foxnews
“We believe, just as the family does, just as Savannah does, somebody knows something. We need that person to call us,” Nanos said.foxnews
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI. The number is 1-800-CALL-FBI. Anonymous tips can also be submitted. The number for that is 520-88-CRIME.foxnews
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI task force continue working the case actively. Tens of thousands of tips have been received from the public. This occurred over the past six months.