A hair sample discovered at the Tucson, Arizona residence of Nancy Guthrie, mother of ‘Today’ show co-host Savannah Guthrie, proved inconclusive after forensic examination. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos shared with CBS News that the sample did not lead to any suspects. ‘It came back with no results,’ noted Nanos, explaining that the outcome was confirmed in early June, although publicly disclosed for the first time on Thursday.
The sheriff’s department continues to analyze blood and other DNA found at the scene, though no useful results have emerged yet. ‘I know that there was blood at the scene and so that was also part of the processing of the scene,’ Nanos added.
Previous reports by CBS News revealed that a DNA sample collected by sheriff’s detectives was sent to a private laboratory in Florida and later to the FBI’s crime lab in Quantico, Virginia. Officials refrained from revealing if this was the same hair sample. ‘We have a lot of DNA that is being looked at by credible scientists around the country who know and understand what they have in front of them and they understand the rules that they have to play by,’ explained Nanos.
Nancy Guthrie, 84 years old, was last seen on the evening of January 31 after being dropped off from dinner at her daughter Annie’s home. Surveillance footage captured a suspect at her front door in the early hours of February 1. Investigators believe Guthrie may have been kidnapped, as at least two ransom notes appeared after her disappearance.
‘Even when a case goes cold, we don’t give up on it,’ stated Nanos. ‘We continue to work it. This one’s far from being cold. God forbid this ever takes 50 years, but it could.’
Besides the initial surveillance footage from Guthrie’s home, no new video evidence has surfaced. It appears the individual evaded local traffic cameras.
When questioned about the possibility of local suspects, Nanos stated, ‘Absolutely.’ However, he admitted no evidence supports this theory, adding, ‘But let’s look at crime across the country, around the world, who by far, 90%, 95% of your criminals are where? Right here locally.’
On Monday, Savannah Guthrie shared a video message on social media, pleading with her mother’s abductors to assist in her return. ‘So I’m asking you, begging you to do the right thing now,’ she said. ‘Make the right choice. Help us find her. Tell us where to look for her. I truly believe it is never too late to do the right thing.’
Sheriff Nanos addressed past criticism from FBI Director Kash Patel, who accused the sheriff’s office of delaying FBI involvement. ‘I’ve never talked to him,’ Nanos remarked regarding Patel. ‘No, I have no reason to. If I needed him, I’m sure I could talk to him. What I need is to know that his team and my team are working close together and that absolutely they are and they have been for decades.’
Nanos expressed optimism for a resolution in the case, citing evidence at hand. ‘The bottom line here is this: We know more than you will ever know, because that’s how investigations work,’ he concluded. Anna Schecter contributed to this report.