Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos announced that a DNA profile could not be extracted from a hair sample found in Nancy Guthrie's home. Nanos stated that the sample was not destroyed, but preserved, and could be valuable for future investigations.
"Yes, there was a hair. We took it and said, 'Okay, let's look at the DNA first.' You look at DNA before anything else," said Sheriff Nanos, adding that in cooperation with the FBI, the sample was sent to a laboratory in California for advanced testing. Nanos said the result came back as "no DNA," and added, "Does that mean the hair does not belong to the suspect? We won't know until we get the suspect's hair."
Nanos emphasized that this hair sample is just one part of the extensive DNA work being conducted. Stating that DNA testing is a priority in the investigation, the sheriff noted that authorities continue to work with multiple crime laboratories to analyze evidence collected from the home.
Confidence in DNA Technology
"Everything we can latch onto regarding DNA in this investigation is part of the process," Nanos said, adding that this includes investigative genetic genealogy, which is used to generate leads from family trees. Pointing to rapid advances in DNA technology, he said, "That's the main source of my optimism; I know we will solve this."
$1.2 Million Reward and Suspect Description
The total reward offered for information leading to Nancy Guthrie has exceeded $1.2 million. Sheriff Nanos appealed, "Just as the family and Savannah believe, we also believe someone knows something. That person needs to call us."
According to information shared by the FBI, the suspect captured on Guthrie's doorbell camera is 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall and of medium build. The suspect was wearing a mask, long-sleeved clothing, and gloves, and the backpack was identified as a black Ozark Trail brand. Authorities are asking anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or provide anonymous tips that could qualify for a reward at 520-88-CRIME.
