A forensics lab in San Francisco, which played a crucial role in solving the Long Island serial killer case, is now thought to be assisting with the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, Arizona. The lab’s expertise is once again being called upon as authorities search for answers in this perplexing case.
Rex Heuermann, known as the Gilgo Beach killer, recently confessed to the murders of eight women over a span of nearly two decades, from 1993 to 2010. His conviction was largely due to groundbreaking DNA evidence derived from rootless hair samples, which proved pivotal in the case.
CeCe Moore, a prominent genetic genealogist with Parabon Nanolabs in Virginia, commented on the situation, stating, “I am pretty confident that they will want to use the lab that they have been extremely successful with, which is Astrea.” She noted that while DNA Labs International (DLI) in Florida has been trying to enhance their own capabilities in analyzing rootless hair, they have yet to demonstrate successful outcomes.
A compelling image juxtaposes Pima County deputies investigating outside Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson with a portrait of Guthrie herself. Missing since February 1, authorities suspect she was abducted from her residence, intensifying the urgency of the investigation. (Michael Ruiz/Fox News Digital)
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department had initially sent samples to DNA Labs International soon after Guthrie’s disappearance. However, with the FBI now involved, Astrea Forensics is likely among the select group of private labs being considered to lend their expertise in this critical investigation.
Now that the FBI has the materials, Astrea Forensics could be on the shortlist of specialized private labs that could help.
The lab developed a DNA profile from rootless hair evidence in the Heuermann case, and Moore said she’s personally been involved in six successful cases in which Astrea did similar work.
Savannah Guthrie and her mother Nancy Guthrie are pictured Thursday, June 15, 2023. (Nathan Congleton/NBC)
“The FBI used them for the Gilgo case,” she told Fox News Digital. “So they have a lot of confidence in Astrea.”
An FBI official told Fox News Digital on Thursday that among the evidence collected from inside Guthrie’s home is a hair sample that had been sent to a private lab in Florida by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in the days after her suspected kidnapping.
“If there’s a chance they can solve Nancy’s case through this lab, I believe without question it should be sent there,” said Allison Winter, a social worker and psychotherapist who has been working with the Heuermann family.
Rex A. Heuermann pleads guilty to murdering seven women and admits to an eighth killing during a hearing in Suffolk County Court in Riverhead, N.Y., on April 8, 2026. (James Carbone/Newsday via Pool)
Now, with no answers more than 11 weeks later, the sample has been sent to the FBI for more advanced testing.
“Sending it to Astrea, where there is a proven track record, is by far the safest option,” Moore told Fox News Digital.
The FBI had wanted the sample more than two months ago, according to Ben Williamson, who is assistant director of public affairs at the FBI.
A tent has been placed over the front entrance to Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Arizona, Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. The investigation into her disappearance is ongoing. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
“This is not new evidence or information,” he wrote on X Monday. “FBI asked to test this DNA 2 months ago with the same technology we’ve always had — when the local sheriff instead sent it to a private lab. Any further developments we will share as soon as appropriate.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Astrea but did not immediately receive a response.
Anyone with information on Guthrie’s disappearance is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
There is a combined reward of more than $1.2 million for information in the case.
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