Nancy Guthrie Task Force Travels to Florida to Advance DNA Analysis

Investigators looking into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie traveled to Florida earlier this month to meet with laboratory scientists in an effort to advance DNA analysis in the case, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced. The update was shared on social media on Friday night as the investigation approaches the nine-month mark since she vanished from her home in Arizona.

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen at her residence in the Catalina Foothills near Tucson on January 31. She was reported missing on February 1 after failing to show up for church. Federal authorities have previously described the ongoing investigation as a kidnapping case.

According to the sheriff's department statement posted on X, the Nancy Guthrie Task Force continues collaborating with laboratory partners to explore new avenues for DNA evidence. "Earlier this month, investigators traveled to Florida to meet with lab scientists to see what more could be done to advance the case," the department wrote, adding that "a number of ideas were discussed, and we continue to work with all of our partners to solve this case."

Authorities did not disclose specific details regarding which laboratories were visited, what precise types of testing are being explored, or whether the meetings yielded immediate breakthroughs. Previous forensic updates in the case included a hair sample sent from a private Florida laboratory to the FBI for testing in April, though Sheriff Chris Nanos stated in July that the hair did not ultimately yield a usable DNA profile.

Law enforcement officials believe Guthrie was taken against her will, pointing to drops of blood discovered outside her front door. In the weeks following her disappearance, authorities released doorbell camera footage capturing a masked individual wearing gloves and a backpack tampering with the camera lens shortly before the signal was cut off.

Throughout the nearly nine-month investigation, various ransom notes and tips have surfaced. In September, authorities evaluated a possible ransom text message and quickly determined it was not credible. No arrests have been made in connection with the disappearance, and no suspects have been publicly identified by name.

Family members, including Savannah Guthrie, have continuously appealed to the public for assistance through social media and public statements. Sharing an updated tribute in August, Savannah wrote about the persistent grief and an unyielding determination "to find out what happened to her, so that we can give her the dignity of a proper goodbye."

The Pima County Sheriff's Department continues to urge anyone with information to come forward, reiterating that no tip is considered too small. Community members and tipsters can reach out to investigators by calling 88-CRIME or contacting the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.