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In a surprising twist, a prominent forensic geology firm has openly criticized the Pima County Sheriff’s Department for its handling of crucial evidence in the Nancy Guthrie case. Instead of directing the evidence to the FBI, the department opted to send it to a private lab in Florida, a decision that has raised eyebrows among experts in the field.
“This situation is incredibly frustrating,” remarked Kristen Mittelman, co-founder of Othram, a Texas-based forensic genetic genealogy lab. Mittelman expressed confusion over the choice to send the evidence to DNA Labs International, describing it as a traditional forensic lab that primarily creates short tandem repeat (SRT) profiles. “The FBI at Quantico could perform this work more efficiently and swiftly, with the added advantage of seamlessly transitioning to identity inference, which is our specialty,” she added.
Othram has earned a reputation for its pivotal role in solving notorious crimes, including the identification of murderer Bryan Kohberger, underscoring their expertise and track record in forensic investigations.
Meanwhile, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who has been actively addressing the media regarding the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, defended the decision. The sheriff’s department chose to collaborate with DNA Labs International, located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, as part of an existing contract for “biological laboratory services” with the state of Arizona. This contract, which began in 2022, is set to continue through March.
The controversy surrounding this choice has been further highlighted by a report from KOLD, which brought attention to the partnership between Pima County and DNA Labs International. As the investigation unfolds, the debate over the best course of action in handling forensic evidence remains a focal point for those involved in the case.
Mittelman stressed that time is “critical” in every case, especially Guthrie’s.
She also said that Othram worked the case of formerly unidentified murder victim Evelyn Colon after DNA Labs International couldn’t crack the case. Colon, previously known as Beth Doe, was murdered in New Jersey in 1976. She was identified in 2021.
An FBI billboard in Albuquerque, N.M., raising awareness about the search for missing Nancy Guthrie. (KRQE)
A federal law enforcement source told Fox News Digital that the evidence will need to be retested by the FBI anyway.
“It’s just the FBI developed this method and can do it so much better without destroying the evidence,” the source said. “I’ve seen so many cases go to Florida and be consumed. Also, they are not as fast, and in this case, time matters.”
On Thursday, a federal law enforcement source accused Nanos of blocking the FBI from obtaining the evidence, first reported by Reuters and confirmed by Fox News Digital.
“It risks further slowing a case that grows more urgent by the minute,” the official told Reuters, citing unspecified “earlier setbacks” in the investigation. The official also criticized Nanos for not requesting help from the FBI earlier in the case.
FBI investigators search Catalina Foothills in Tucson, Arizona, Wednesday, February 11, 2026. The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie continues. (DWS for Fox News Digital)
Nanos denied those allegations, telling KOLD that the Pima County Sheriff’s Department simply wants all evidence to be examined at the same lab.
He reportedly said he had a meeting with agents on Thursday, and was told by agents, “We do not want the media to divide us.”
Earlier this week, the FBI released doorbell camera footage of a suspect, recorded at Guthrie’s home shortly before authorities believe she was abducted or kidnapped.
The suspect is described as a male between 5-foot-9 and 5-foot-10, with an average build. He was wearing an Ozark Trail Hiker Pack.
Photos released on Feb. 10, 2025, show a “subject” on Nancy Guthrie’s property. (Provided by FBI)
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office did not return a comment request.
DNA Labs International declined to comment.
Nancy Guthrie disappearance timeline:Â
Jan. 31, 2026
• Between 9:30–9:45 p.m. – Family drops Nancy off at home
• 9:50 p.m. – Garage door closes (per authorities)
Feb. 1, 2026
• 1:47 a.m. – Doorbell camera disconnects
• 2:12 a.m. – Security camera detects motion
• 2:28 a.m. – Pacemaker disconnects from phone application
• 11:56 a.m. – Family checks on Nancy after she misses weekly church livestream gathering
• 12:03 p.m. — 911 called
• 12:15 p.m. — Sheriff’s deputies arrive at home