UPDATE: Authorities in Pima County, Arizona, are intensifying efforts to locate Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since February 1. Investigators are now considering the use of DNA genealogy databases, a method that has proven successful in solving high-profile cases such as the Golden State Killer and the recent Idaho student murders.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that DNA evidence collected thus far has yielded no matches in the national criminal justice database known as CODIS. However, officials believe that tapping into genealogical sites could lead to new breakthroughs in the search for Guthrie, a mother and co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show.
“It’s a fantastic tool,” said Ruth Ballard, a geneticist with extensive courtroom experience. “If it’s a good quality sample and they’re able to get a profile, they could find a hit on that fairly quickly.”
As of now, biological evidence from Guthrie’s home is undergoing analysis at a lab. The investigation is particularly urgent due to the discovery of gloves near the scene that may connect to a masked suspect captured on a porch camera, located approximately 2 miles from Guthrie’s residence.
The sheriff’s department stated this week that they are exploring various investigative genetic genealogy options, indicating that CODIS is just one of many databases under consideration. Investigators are also looking into DNA samples from genealogical websites like Ancestry, 23andMe, and MyHeritage, which can be compelled to comply with court orders for information. The site GEDmatch has a policy that requires users to opt-in for law enforcement access, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
These genealogical tools have previously reshaped criminal investigations. In the case of the Golden State Killer, police successfully traced DNA from crime scenes to distant relatives, leading to the arrest of Joseph DeAngelo Jr., who ultimately pleaded guilty to 13 killings and numerous rapes spanning decades. Similarly, in Idaho, DNA linked to the suspect Bryan Kohberger was crucial in solving the tragic stabbings of four university students in 2022, demonstrating the potential effectiveness of this approach.
Ballard warns, however, that the success of these methods depends heavily on the quality and source of the DNA evidence. “It does require a much better sample than CODIS searching does,” she noted, indicating a potential challenge ahead for investigators.
The urgency of this investigation is compounded by the emotional weight it carries, not only for Guthrie’s family but also for the broader community. As the search intensifies and authorities pursue every available lead, families across Arizona and beyond are holding their breath, hoping for swift resolution and justice.
What happens next in this high-stakes investigation remains to be seen. Authorities are expected to provide further updates as they refine their approach to DNA genealogy, while the public continues to rally around the Guthrie family during this challenging time.
