DNA at Nancy Guthrie’s Home Doesn’t Match Her or Close Contacts, Pima County Sheriff Says

Investigators working the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie recovered DNA from her property that does not match Guthrie or anyone in her immediate circle, the Pima County Sheriff's Office said. The discovery adds a new dimension to a case that has drawn national attention and intensified a search for a person of interest seen on home surveillance.

Evidence at the scene introduces new lead

Pima County investigators collected DNA evidence at Guthrie’s property during a search of the area. Lab analysis established that the genetic material does not belong to Guthrie or to people known to be close to her, the sheriff’s office stated. the finding will be turned over to federal partners to be compared against broader databases as the probe continues.

FBI searching for man captured on doorbell footage

Federal investigators are also seeking a man who was seen on Guthrie’s doorbell camera the night she disappeared. Authorities describe him as between 5'9" and 5'10" with an average build. In the footage, he is carrying an Ozark Trail backpack while on the front porch. Investigators have urged anyone who recognizes the person to come forward to assist the ongoing effort to locate Guthrie and determine his connection to the scene.

Sheriff’s presence and neighborhood activity

There has been heightened police activity in the neighborhood near Guthrie’s home, including temporary street closures and officers blocking a nearby street as part of investigative work. The pima county sheriff's office said it would not hold a live media briefing on the night of the search but that a written statement would be released afterward. Officers continued to canvass and conduct follow-up work in the area surrounding the property.

Family appeals and community response

Guthrie’s family has repeatedly appealed to the public for help and prayers while urging anyone with information to come forward. Her daughter, journalist Savannah Guthrie, has shared pleas and short videos asking for the return of her mother and thanking the public for support. Members of the community have gathered at a makeshift memorial outside the home, leaving flowers and notes and expressing hope for Guthrie’s safe return.

Investigative next steps and public guidance

Officials say the investigation remains active and fluid. The DNA result has shifted some investigative focus and prompted federal partners to augment local efforts. Detectives emphasized that small pieces of information—neighbors’ observations, traffic or delivery records, and tips from anyone who recognizes the man in the doorbell footage—can be important. Authorities continue to request that potential witnesses preserve any home surveillance or ring camera footage from the relevant timeframe and contact investigators with any details.

What remains unclear

While the discovery of nonmatching DNA raises new questions, investigators have not disclosed whether the material indicates assault, contact, or simply the presence of an unknown person at the property. Officials are coordinating lab work, reviewing additional video from the area, and pursuing leads generated by public tips. For now, family members and the local community remain on edge, hoping for definitive news that will locate Guthrie and explain what happened the night she vanished.

Authorities continue to urge anyone with information about the man seen on the porch or anything related to Guthrie’s disappearance to contact law enforcement immediately. The investigation remains active and ongoing.