Nancy Guthrie Update Sheriff Chris Nanos Defends Slow Pace Of Probe As Fbi Tests Dna Science Has Rules

More than four months after Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Arizona home, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is defending the pace of the investigation, saying complex forensic testing and legal procedures are contributing to delays in the high-profile case. S... Speaking to Tucson-based KOLD-TV, Nanos said the investigation relies heavily on laboratory work and scientific protocols rather than quick arrests. “It’s just not a detective goes out there, talks to somebody, and we can make an arrest,” Nanos said. “This is a very sensitive case, but what really makes it prolonged is we do rely on labs.” Guthrie, 84, is the mother of NBC Today co-host Savannah Guthrie. Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect, announced arrests, or disclosed Guthrie’s whereabouts. According to Fox News, investigators initially sent hair samples collected from Guthrie’s Catalina Foothills residence to a private genetics laboratory in Florida amid what the outlet described as a public rift between the sheriff’s office and the FBI. The samples were later transferred to the FBI’s Quantico laboratory around 11 weeks later for more advanced forensic analysis. Fox News Digital also reported that investigators encountered mixed DNA samples, which are often more difficult to isolate and interpret. Defending the lengthy process, Nanos emphasized that forensic science must follow strict standards. “When you’re looking at those labs and the work they do, you have a science there, and science has rules that it has to go by,” he said. “Even though it’s not, DNA they’ll tell you isn’t an exact science, it’s 99% plus.” Nanos added that investigators are attempting to avoid mistakes while ensuring innocent people are not wrongly accused. “We wanna make sure that DNA doesn’t just identify a suspect,” he said. “It also exonerates those who are innocent.” Fox News further reported that federal sources familiar with the investigation said the FBI is discussing deploying additional technological tools to help advance the case. Morgan Wright, CEO of the National Center for Open and Unsolved Cases, told the outlet that digital evidence could ultimately prove crucial. “The solution to this case is going to be, I think, something technical,” Wright said, pointing to video forensics, signals analysis and investigative genetic genealogy as possible avenues. Meanwhile, attorney RJ Dreiling criticized the pace of the investigation, telling Fox News that the public deserves clearer answers from authorities. Prakriti Deb is a journalist at Hindustan Times Digital, where she is part of the US Desk. She works on stories related to American politics, crime, sports, entertainment and weather. She particularly enjoys covering political developments that have global ripples. Through her work, she aims to break down complex events in a way that feels simple and understandable. Before joining the Hindustan Times, she worked with The Indian Express Digital, where she covered world affairs. She holds a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication with a specialisation in Journalism, along with a bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Outside the newsroom, Prakriti enjoys travelling and stepping out of her comfort zone. She finds her sense