Pima County Sheriff Defends DNA Choice in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Amid Criticism and Key Evidence Breakthroughs
TUCSON, Ariz. — Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos staunchly defended his decision to send critical DNA evidence from the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie—mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie—to a private lab in Florida rather than the FBI’s renowned facility in Quantico, Virginia, amid growing criticism from forensic experts.[1][2]
Nancy Guthrie, 72, vanished from her Tucson home under suspicious circumstances nearly two weeks ago, with authorities believing she was forcibly abducted in the middle of the night. The case has captivated national attention, fueled by over 5,000 tips generated from FBI-released surveillance footage showing a masked, armed suspect tampering with a Nest camera at her front door.[4]
Controversy Over Lab Selection
Sheriff Nanos, in interviews with CBS News and Fox News, explained that his department has a longstanding contract with DNA Labs International in Deerfield Beach, Florida, dating back to 2022 for biological laboratory services. He emphasized consistency in testing to avoid unnecessary delays, stating, “It adds a step that’s not needed.” The lab already holds reference samples from the Guthrie family and individuals who worked at her home, allowing for direct comparisons with crime scene evidence.[1][2]
“Let’s just use one lab, they have it all, the reports are generated, those reports are shared between both agencies, and we keep moving,” Nanos told CBS correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti.[1]
However, the choice has drawn sharp rebuke from forensic genetic genealogy experts. Kristen Mittelman, co-founder of Texas-based Othram—a lab pivotal in identifying suspects like Bryan Kohberger in the Idaho student murders—called the move “devastating.” She argued that DNA Labs International, which produces traditional short tandem repeat (STR) profiles, consumes evidence that could be better handled by Quantico, which excels in such analyses and has direct pipelines to advanced identity inference services like Othram’s.[2]
“I don’t understand why it didn’t go to Quantico, since they can do this better and faster than anyone,” Mittelman said, warning that the evidence may need retesting, further slowing the investigation.[2][3]
Key DNA Findings and Evidence Details
Despite the lab dispute, preliminary results have yielded promising leads. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department revealed Friday that DNA not belonging to Nancy Guthrie or her close contacts was collected from her property. Investigators are actively working to identify its source but have withheld the exact location to protect the probe.[1][4]
A black glove discovered inside Guthrie’s home has emerged as a focal point, now undergoing DNA analysis at the Florida lab. Fox News reported questions surrounding its handling, with some speculating it could belong to the intruder.[3]
Additionally, a glove found near the property—reportedly up to 10 miles away in follow-up searches—prompted expanded canvassing, though Nanos cautioned against overhyping stray items: “Everybody’s finding gloves.”[4]
FBI Collaboration and Suspect Profile
Nanos dismissed claims of delaying FBI involvement, noting he contacted the bureau on February 2, the first business day after Guthrie’s disappearance around January 31. He described the partnership as seamless: “We’re joined at the hip.” The FBI has boosted its reward to $100,000 for information leading to Guthrie’s recovery.[2][4]
The suspect in the chilling surveillance video is described as a male, 5’9” to 5’10” tall, average build, clad in a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. No proof of life or signs of death have surfaced, but Nanos issued a stark warning: “I think the suspect should be afraid every night. We’re going to find you.”[1]
Early DNA results have not yet pinpointed a suspect, but Nanos remains optimistic. “There has been no sign of death,” he added, holding out hope for Guthrie’s safe return as the search hits the two-week mark.[1]
Public Tips and Ongoing Search
The investigation has surged with public engagement. Videos from neighborhood cameras dating back to the year’s start are being reviewed, and tips continue to pour in. The Sheriff’s Department urges anyone with information to come forward, stressing that even seemingly minor leads—like discarded gloves—are pursued rigorously.[3][4]
As the case unfolds, the debate over evidence handling underscores broader tensions in high-stakes investigations: balancing speed, expertise, and chain-of-custody protocols. While critics question the Florida lab’s suitability for potential genetic genealogy, Nanos insists the process is sound and collaborative.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI vow to leave no stone unturned in bringing Nancy Guthrie home and delivering justice.