New DNA Found on Nancy Guthrie's Property During Search

Police found DNA on Nancy Guthrie's property that does not belong to her or people she knows. This is an important new clue in the search for the 84-year-old woman who went missing in February. Investigators are working to find out whose DNA it is.
By Newsroom | Crime, Arizona |

Investigators have uncovered DNA evidence at the property of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman who has been missing since February, that does not belong to her or individuals known to be in close contact with her. This discovery, revealed by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, represents a significant development in the ongoing search efforts. The unidentified DNA, along with other potential evidence such as gloves found within a 10-mile radius of Guthrie's home, is currently undergoing analysis by an out-of-state laboratory. Authorities believe Guthrie was taken against her will.

Investigators recover DNA from Nancy Guthrie's property that does not belong to anyone 'close' to her - 1

Timeline and Key Actors

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on February 1st when her family dropped her off at her residence outside Tucson, Arizona, around 9:30 p.m. She was scheduled to meet a friend to watch church services online the following morning but did not arrive. Law enforcement officials confirmed that they believe she was taken from her home against her will. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has received over 30,000 tips related to the case. The FBI has also released surveillance photos and videos of a person of interest in connection with her disappearance.

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Investigators recover DNA from Nancy Guthrie's property that does not belong to anyone 'close' to her - 2

Unidentified DNA Discovery

"DNA other than Nancy Guthrie's and those in close contact to her has been collected from the property," stated the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

This statement confirms the recovery of genetic material from Guthrie's property that cannot be immediately linked to her or her known associates. The exact location of where the DNA was found on the property has not been disclosed. Investigators are actively working to identify the source of this unknown DNA, a process that requires time and meticulous comparison.

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Associated Evidence: Gloves and Surveillance

During the expanded search, investigators discovered several gloves within a 10-mile radius of Guthrie's home. While reports of gloves found inside the residence or on the immediate property have been clarified as inaccurate by the sheriff's department, the found gloves are being analyzed at the same lab processing the DNA evidence. Additionally, the FBI released surveillance images and video footage from Guthrie's property, showing a potential person of interest.

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Person of Interest and Detained Individual

An individual, who identified himself as Carlos, was detained for questioning earlier in the week in Rio Rico, Arizona. While he has since been released and is not under any law enforcement restrictions, the sheriff stated that he is not fully cleared. The investigation is also examining footage of a suspect lurking at the front doorway of Guthrie's home, where additional measurements are planned.

Clarification on Residence Findings

The Pima County Sheriff's Department has explicitly stated that no gloves were found at Guthrie's house. While DNA samples were collected from the home, including on the front porch where dried reddish drops were observed by reporters, the sheriff's office has not confirmed if these samples were blood or if they included DNA from individuals outside the household. Reports that a glove was found inside the residence or on the property have been deemed inaccurate.

Expert Perspectives on DNA Significance

  • Forensic implications: Unidentified DNA found at a crime scene or on a victim's property is a crucial piece of evidence. Its presence suggests an individual not previously known to be associated with the victim was at the location. The challenge lies in matching this DNA to a specific individual, which can be achieved through comparison with existing databases or DNA from suspects.

  • Investigative leads: The recovery of unidentified DNA significantly broadens the scope of the investigation. It prompts investigators to look beyond the immediate circle of the victim and explore potential links to individuals who may have had unknown interactions with Guthrie or her property. The analysis of this DNA is a priority, as a match could provide a direct link to a person of interest.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The discovery of unidentified DNA on Nancy Guthrie's property is a pivotal development in the ongoing investigation into her disappearance. While the DNA's origin remains unknown, its presence confirms the involvement of an individual outside Guthrie's known close contacts. Investigators are diligently working to identify this source. The ongoing analysis of this DNA, alongside the collected gloves and surveillance footage, forms the bedrock of the current investigative strategy. Future steps will likely involve further comparisons of DNA samples, interviews with individuals who may have had contact with Guthrie, and the meticulous review of all available evidence to piece together the events leading to her disappearance.

Primary Sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What new evidence was found at Nancy Guthrie's property?
Investigators found DNA that does not belong to Nancy Guthrie or people close to her. They also found gloves in the area.
Q: When did Nancy Guthrie go missing?
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on February 1st.
Q: Is there a suspect?
Police are looking at photos and videos of a person of interest. One person was questioned but has been released.
Q: What is being done with the new evidence?
The DNA and gloves are being tested in a lab to try and identify who they belong to.