Nearly 100 days after her disappearance, investigators say they are closer to a breakthrough in the case of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show anchor Savannah Guthrie, who was last seen at her Catalina Foothills residence in Arizona on 1 February.
Authorities believe she was abducted from her property at approximately 2:30 am local time. This alarming scenario prompted an immediate joint investigation by the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
During a recent public update outside the department, Sheriff Chris Nanos was pressed on whether law enforcement was closer to solving the case. He firmly stated, 'We are.'
Supporters of the family have taken to social media with messages of hope. One user on X wrote, 'She will soon be found.'
A hair sample recovered at the Arizona property has become a central focus of the investigation. The sample has been transferred from a private laboratory in Florida to the FBI for advanced genetic testing. To help establish a baseline, police have collected voluntary DNA samples from family members and staff.
Identifying a foreign DNA profile on the sample could provide investigators with a significant lead, with forensic genetic genealogy among the techniques under consideration.
Identifying a foreign profile on the hair would provide a monumental lead. Forensic specialists note that advanced genetic genealogy might serve as the ultimate tool to help identify a possible suspect.
Dr David Mittelman, co-founder of the forensic laboratory Othram, explained the complexities of dealing with degraded genetic material. He clarified that constructing profiles from hair does not inherently require extensive time, stating, 'In the Idaho Four murders, for example, the DNA profile was developed within days.' He added that the true hurdle is generating a high-quality result, as poor-quality samples often render genetic tracing difficult, ambiguous, or impossible.
Surveillance footage has remained a focal point of the task force's investigation. Nest camera recordings captured a masked individual clad in dark clothing and equipped with a holstered handgun near the residence around the time of the presumed abduction.
Official descriptions state the unknown individual wore gloves, a zip-up hoodie, sweatpants, a dark backpack, and a balaclava.
Source: International Business Times UK
