A prominent figure in genetic genealogy anticipates that the analysis of a hair sample, forwarded from a Florida-based private laboratory to the FBI, might take several months. This sample is crucial in the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. However, there remains hope that the findings could be expedited.
It has been over 80 days since Nancy Guthrie was reportedly abducted from her residence in Catalina Foothills, situated in northern Tucson, Arizona. Guthrie, aged 84, is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, a co-host on the “Today” show.
CeCe Moore, a renowned genetic genealogist working with Parabon Nanolabs in Virginia, shared her insights with Fox News Digital, explaining, “Typically, results can take months, but this case might be prioritized due to its urgency, unlike the usual cold cases. Results might arrive sooner if luck is on our side since sometimes multiple attempts are needed to successfully retrieve the DNA.”
On February 23, 2026, Pima County deputies were observed inspecting a flyer placed on the mailbox of Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home. Guthrie is believed to have been taken from her residence in the early hours of February 1. (Michael Ruiz/Fox News Digital)
Initially, the investigation was marked by some tension between local and federal agencies. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department opted to send the DNA evidence to DNA Labs International, a private facility in Florida, instead of involving the FBI from the start.
Despite over 11 weeks passing since the sample was collected, there has been no significant public progress in the case. Consequently, the sample was eventually handed over to the FBI for further analysis.
FBI agents canvass homes near Nancy Guthrie’s residence in Tucson on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, as the investigation into her disappearance continues. A portrait shows Nancy Guthrie and Savannah Guthrie in a photo provided by NBC. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
“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,” said Ben Williamson, the bureau’s assistant director of public affairs. “Any further developments we will share as soon as appropriate.”
It remains to be seen who the hair belongs to and whether they could be considered a suspect.
Due to the lack of answers, experts like Moore believe the hair sample is rootless, making DNA testing more complicated but not impossible.
“Hopefully that will mean the SNP profile can be created more quickly than is typical in my experience, so the IGG can begin to identify the owner of that hair,” she said.
Investigators returned to Nancy Guthrie’s home on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, as the investigation into her disappearance continues. (Fox News Flight Team/Fox News)
IGG is investigative genetic genealogy, the field she specializes in. It involves a combination of DNA profiles and traditional research, where investigators combine genetics, public records and other information to gin up leads that can help identify a person of interest through their heritage.
“At that point, we just have to hope that the hair actually belongs to Nancy’s kidnapper and not someone else who happened to visit her or had their hair transferred to her home,” Moore said.
FBI agents search the area behind Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Ariz., on Feb. 6, 2026, as the investigation into her disappearance continues. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Rootless hair samples helped land Long Island serial killer Rex Heuermann in prison decades after his first murder. He pleaded guilty earlier this month and is expected to receive multiple life sentences in June.
San Francisco-based Astrea Forensics, which did lab work on the Heuermann case for the FBI, is now expected to be involved in the Guthrie investigation.
Lab officials contacted by Fox News Digital have declined to comment.
A combined reward of more than $1.2 million in the case remains unclaimed.
Anyone with information is asked to dial 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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