Nancy Guthrie Update Day 23: DNA Lab Snag, Investigation May Scale Back as Case Enters Critical Phase
The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today anchor Savannah Guthrie, enters Day 23 on Monday, February 23, 2026 — with no suspect identified, key forensic evidence still being processed, and sources now warning that investigators may soon transition to a smaller, long-term task force.
Where the Investigation Stands Today
Nearly three weeks after Nancy Guthrie vanished, investigators are finding their best leads are so far coming up empty. Partial DNA recovered at the home is, for the moment, unidentified; technology companies and the FBI have recovered no additional video from her home security system; and investigators have been unable to associate a vehicle with her abduction.
As of February 21, law enforcement has stated that her condition and whereabouts remain unknown. The case has drawn international attention, with Savannah Guthrie suspending her broadcasting duties, including coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, to participate in the ongoing search.
The DNA Lab Delay — A Major Snag
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed there has been a snag at a private lab in Florida testing mixed DNA samples found at Nancy Guthrie's home. No names are currently being investigated related to the 84-year-old's disappearance.
A retired supervisory FBI agent explained the complexity: "It was collected early in the investigation. But separating individual DNA profiles from a biological mixture is painstaking, precise work. It cannot be rushed. When the private lab finishes, those completed DNA profiles go back to the Pima County Sheriff's Department. From there, the FBI uploads them into CODIS. Within a short window after that upload, investigators will know whether there is a hit."
Genetic Genealogy: The Next Best Hope
Investigators are exploring "investigative genetic genealogy options" to identify possible matches from partial DNA found at Guthrie's home — the same forensic technique that helped authorities identify Brian Kohberger, who pleaded guilty to murdering four University of Idaho students. The law prevents police from searching private genealogy databases such as Ancestry.com or 23andMe, so investigators must rely on publicly available databases such as GEDmatch.
Case May Enter a New Phase
The lack of recent progress may mean that investigators soon scale back their resources, sources with knowledge of the case told ABC News. Right now, 400 investigators are assigned operating 24/7. Given the seemingly sluggish progress, investigators believe the case would soon have to move into a new phase with fewer dedicated resources but a small task force focused on it long term. The Guthrie family has been briefed on the fact that certain leads have not been panning out.
Key Case Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Last seen | Jan. 31, 9:45 PM ET, Tucson, AZ |
| Days missing | 23 |
| Suspect identified | ❌ No |
| DNA from glove (2 miles away) | No CODIS match |
| DNA from home | Lab processing — delayed |
| Pacemaker signal | Disconnected ~2:30 AM Feb. 1 |
| Reward offered | $202,500 |
| Total FBI tips received | 21,000+ |
| Family cleared | ✅ Yes |
| Mexico involvement | No indication |
The Suspect and Evidence on File
Ring camera footage from Guthrie's home revealed a potential suspect who is a male with an average build and about 5-foot, 9-inches tall, seen wearing a black, 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that more than one suspect was involved.
Blood found on Guthrie's porch is believed to be hers, Sheriff Nanos confirmed. The FBI has received more than 21,000 tips, and the 911 communications center has been flooded — logging 31,608 calls in February alone compared to 20,808 calls in the same period last year.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department tip line at 520-351-4900 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
