Sheriff Chris Nanos confirms DNA found at Nancy Guthrie’s home does not belong to her
DNA from someone other than #nancyguthrie or people close to her has been located in the house, according to the Pima County Sheriff's Department. This is a huge break in a case that needs it. pic.twitter.com/svVvSC2lXp
— Gavin Fish (@gavinfishtrcrm) February 14, 2026
TUCSON, ARIZONA: DNA recovered from Nancy Guthrie’s home does not belong to her or anyone in close contact, authorities confirmed. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said officials are now focused on identifying the unknown source of the genetic material.
Sheriff Chris Nanos the DNA as “central to the case” and crucial for ongoing investigative work. “What I believe is what I know — we found DNA, and it was not Nancy Guthrie’s,” Nanos told Fox News correspondent Jonathan Hunt. “It was not Nancy Guthrie, so we’ll continue working with the lab and doing cross-analysis. They split the samples, merge results, and it’s a complex process.”
DNA analysis isolates unknown genetic evidence
The biological samples from Guthrie’s house were sent to a Florida lab for testing. Some of the DNA belongs to residents, which helps investigators filter out known genetic material and focus on unknown samples. The multi-agency investigation continues as law enforcement works to determine the DNA’s owner.
“The investigation is detailed and ongoing,” Nanos added. “I have a team of investigators here, in a conference room filled with FBI detectives and deputies, working each day to move this forward.”
Sheriff defends handling of crime scene release
Nanos rejected criticism that the crime scene was released too quickly to the Guthrie family. Speaking to Fox News correspondent Matt Finn, he said deputies had already collected the evidence they needed and handled the site according to proper protocol. “I remain confident in the department’s decisions,” he said, emphasizing that law enforcement does not clean crime scenes before release.
Pima County Sheriff Nanos tells me he does NOT think his department released the Nancy Guthrie crime scene too quickly. Does not regret the timing of turning it back to the family. Nanos said they got what they needed out of the house. On the blood on the door step, he says…
— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) February 13, 2026
The search for Nancy Guthrie has entered its 13th day. Nanos maintained that the focus remains on rescue efforts, with hope still guiding the ongoing operations.
Investigation continues amid tactical secrecy
While Nanos declined to discuss specific tactical movements in the field for safety reasons, he stressed that law enforcement continues to pursue all leads. The case remains active and high-priority, with DNA evidence potentially providing critical breakthroughs.
