A hair sample collected from the Arizona residence of Nancy Guthrie has failed to yield DNA evidence, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, marking a setback in the investigation into the 84-year-old woman's disappearance six months ago.
"To find DNA on hair is extremely rare. Hair doesn't produce DNA like touch DNA or bodily fluids," Nanos told NBC News on Thursday, July 30.
The sheriff explained to Fox News that investigators prioritized DNA analysis when the hair was discovered. "Yes, there was a hair. We had it and thought, 'OK, well, we'll do the DNA first,' right? You're going to do DNA before something else. ... It came back ... there's no DNA," Nanos said.
Despite the negative result, authorities have preserved the hair sample for potential future use in the investigation. Nanos emphasized that the absence of DNA does not eliminate the possibility that the hair could belong to a suspect.
"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," Nanos told Fox News. "There's other things that hair may prove valuable for, but right now it was just about, 'Is there any DNA there?' And the answer was no. That was just a matter of weeks ago."
The FBI Phoenix field office confirmed to NBC News that "all hair had been resolved, and it does not point to a suspect" in Nancy's disappearance.
Nancy was reported missing from her home outside of Tucson, Arizona, on February 1. She was last seen on the evening of January 31. Authorities are treating the case as a suspected kidnapping, though no suspect has been identified.
Nancy is the mother of Today show cohost Savannah Guthrie. On Monday, July 27, Savannah, 54, released a video statement on social media appealing for her mother's safe return.
"I'm coming on today with a very specific message," Savannah said in the Instagram video. "It has been months since our mom was taken from us. Our family is in agony. We are in a nightmare that will not end. Nothing about our situation has changed. We have done our part, but we will never stop looking for her. We will always ache for her. Feel that hole in our hearts."
In her emotional appeal, Savannah addressed whoever may have information about her mother's whereabouts. "The world can be a cruel and unforgiving place, and I know that you have tried to do things the right way. So I'm asking you, begging you, to do the right thing now. Make the right choice. Help us find her. Tell us where to look for her. I truly believe it is never too late to do the right thing. Help us bring this situation to an end. For all of us — no matter where we've been and what we've done — I believe there is always, always a way home. Please make the right choice."
The investigation continues as authorities pursue other leads in the case.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
