‘Strand of Hair’ Found in Nancy Guthrie’s Bed Would Be ‘High Priority’ for FBI as Expert Explains How 1 DNA Sample Could Crack the Case
We’ve passed the 100-day mark since Nancy Guthrie disappeared, and the answers remain as elusive as ever. Savannah Guthrie’s mom was forcibly taken from her home by a masked assailant sometime between the night of January 31 and the morning of February 1, but so far, no suspect has been identified, and no motive has been disclosed.
In fact, at this point, experts believe solving the key to solving the case might be a DNA sample recovered from Guthrie’s home. That DNA sample is now reportedly going through extensive testing at the FBI’s crime lab. That sample had initially been sent to a private lab in Florida by the Pima County Sheriff Department, despite the FBI offering to analyze it.
Related: Who are Savannah Guthrie’s siblings?
Now, the sample is once again in the FBI’s hands.
Law enforcement has not disclosed what type of DNA is being analyzed, but CBS News reported that the analysis has not been completed.
Retired FBI special agent Jason Pack told the outlet that DNA analysis “takes far longer than television crime dramas would have people believe.”
“That kind of work is slow because it has to be right,” he said.
“An item containing DNA, such as a strand of hair found somewhere in a house, is one thing, but a strand of hair near the victim’s last known location, such as in her bed, would be a high priority for the FBI,” Lance Leising, an ex-FBI special agent in Arizona, added.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos refused to comment on the DNA evidence being analyzed. “It would be highly inappropriate of me to speak to the evidence. We have to keep the integrity of this case,” he said. “If we make an arrest, that individual has the right to a fair trial, I can’t sit here and address all of that.”
“We are working hard with all of our partners to resolve this case, and we will,” he added.
Pack also told CBS News that 100 days might seem like a lot, but for an investigation, it’s not that much. “That is not how major investigations work. The cameras may move on. The investigators usually do not,” Pack said. “A hundred days feels like forever to a family. In investigative terms, it can still be early.”
He went on to explain that law enforcement officials are now reviewing every tip and evidence to see if there’s anything that stands out. “They’re looking for the one detail that did not fit the first time around,” Pack said.
All of this comes as Savannah Guthrie paid tribute to her mom on Mother’s Day, sharing on social media several videos of Nancy with her and other members of the family. “Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie – we miss you with every breath,” she wrote. “We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you.”
“We need help. Someone knows something that can make the difference. Call 1800CALLFBI. You can be anonymous and the reward remains available,” she added. “Please keep praying. Bring her home.”
