Nancy Guthrie case hits setback as hair sample fails to produce DNA profile

TUCSON, ARIZONA: Investigators searching for Nancy Guthrie have faced another setback after a hair sample recovered from inside her home failed to produce a usable DNA profile.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said in a new interview on Thursday, July 30, that the evidence has been preserved and could still become useful if investigators identify a suspect.

Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' co-host Savannah Guthrie, will mark six months since her disappearance on Saturday as investigators continue working with the FBI and multiple crime laboratories.

Hair sample from Nancy Guthrie home fails DNA testing

Nanos said investigators first prioritized DNA testing after recovering the hair sample from Guthrie's home.

"Yes, there was a hair. We had it and thought, 'Okay, well, we'll do the DNA first,' right?" he said.

The sample was sent to a California laboratory for additional testing with the FBI, but the results did not produce a DNA profile.

"It came back...there's no DNA," Nanos said. "But does that mean the hair isn't that of the suspect? We won't know that till we have the suspect's hair. You don't just destroy it."

The sheriff said the evidence has been preserved because it could still prove valuable if investigators identify a suspect or uncover additional information.

Investigators continue searching for DNA leads in Nancy Guthrie case

Nanos said the hair sample is only one part of the ongoing forensic investigation. Authorities continue examining other evidence with the FBI and several crime laboratories.

"Anything we can grasp onto with DNA is a part of this investigation," he said. 

He also pointed to investigative genetic genealogy as another avenue investigators are exploring, adding, "That's really where some of my optimism is, that I just know that we're gonna get this thing resolved."

Authorities have continued reviewing evidence and following leads as the investigation into Guthrie's disappearance remains active.

Reward remains available in Nancy Guthrie disappearance case

A combined reward of more than $1.2 million remains available for information leading to an arrest.

"We believe, just as the family does, just as Savannah does, somebody knows something. We need that person to call us," Nanos said.

According to the FBI, at least one suspect was captured on Nancy Guthrie's Nest doorbell camera wearing a mask, gloves, long sleeves and carrying a black Ozark Trail backpack.

Authorities continue urging anyone with information to contact the FBI or submit anonymous tips as investigators pursue every possible lead.