The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie took a frustrating turn as crucial DNA evidence yielded no immediate answers. Samples collected from a glove discovered two miles from her Tucson, Arizona home, and from inside her residence, both submitted to the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), failed to produce a match.
Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed the unsettling news, emphasizing that the DNA from the glove was distinct from the DNA found within Guthrie’s home. This detail suggests the possibility of multiple individuals involved, or a deliberate attempt to obscure the perpetrator’s identity. Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31st, and authorities confirm she did not leave her home voluntarily.
Despite the CODIS dead ends, analysis continues on the DNA recovered from Guthrie’s property. The lab responsible, DNA Labs International, resumed work after a weekend closure, focusing on more in-depth testing. Investigators are determined to exhaust every avenue, recognizing the critical importance of this evidence.
With traditional database searches proving fruitless, investigators are now likely to explore Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG). This innovative technique bypasses the limitations of CODIS by utilizing publicly available genealogy databases and traditional genealogical research to identify potential leads.
IGG gained prominence in 2018 with the capture of the Golden State Killer, a case solved by uploading crime scene DNA to a genealogy database and tracing distant relatives to ultimately identify Joseph DeAngelo. This method offers a powerful, albeit complex, path forward when conventional methods fail.
The timeline of events paints a chilling picture. Guthrie was dropped off at home around 9:30 PM on January 31st, and the garage door closed shortly after. Then, a series of unsettling events unfolded in the early hours of February 1st: the doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47 AM, motion was detected by a security camera at 2:12 AM, and her pacemaker lost connection to its monitoring application at 2:28 AM.
The discovery that Guthrie was missing didn’t occur until later that morning. Her family, concerned she hadn’t joined their weekly church livestream, checked on her at 11:56 AM and immediately contacted 911. Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene just minutes later, initiating a search that continues to this day.
Amidst the uncertainty, a powerful message of hope resonated from NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, Nancy’s daughter. In an emotional plea, she stated, “It is never too late to do the right thing.” Her words, a beacon in the darkness, implore anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing a belief in the inherent goodness of humanity and the possibility of a safe return.
