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A prominent genetic genealogist has suggested that it may take several months to obtain testing results from a hair sample currently being analyzed by the FBI. This sample, originating from a private laboratory in Florida, is part of ongoing efforts to uncover the truth about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. However, there is optimism that answers might emerge sooner than expected.
It has been over 80 days since the presumed abduction of Guthrie from her residence in the Catalina Foothills area of northern Tucson, Arizona. Nancy Guthrie is the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie.
CeCe Moore, a leading genetic genealogist at Parabon Nanolabs in Virginia, shared her insights with Fox News Digital, stating, “Typically, these processes span several months. However, given the high-profile nature of this case, it is likely to be prioritized, potentially expediting the timeline. Success also hinges on a bit of luck, as multiple attempts to retrieve DNA may be necessary.”
In a photograph taken on February 23, 2026, Pima County deputies are seen examining a flyer affixed to the mailbox outside Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home. (Michael Ruiz/Fox News Digital)
From the outset, there has been noticeable tension between local and federal authorities in this investigation. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department opted to forward the DNA evidence to DNA Labs International, a private laboratory in Florida, bypassing the FBI’s facilities.
More than 11 weeks later, tests on a hair sample have led to no publicly known advancement in the case, and authorities finally transferred the sample to the FBI.
FBI agents canvass homes near Nancy Guthrie’s residence in Tucson on Friday, Feb. 6, 2026, as the investigation into her disappearance continues. A portrait shows Nancy Guthrie and Savannah Guthrie in a photo provided by NBC. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)
“FBI asked to test this DNA 2 months ago with the same technology we’ve always had — when the local sheriff instead sent it to a private lab,” said Ben Williamson, the bureau’s assistant director of public affairs. “Any further developments we will share as soon as appropriate.”
It remains to be seen who the hair belongs to and whether they could be considered a suspect.
Due to the lack of answers, experts like Moore believe the hair sample is rootless, making DNA testing more complicated but not impossible.
“Hopefully that will mean the SNP profile can be created more quickly than is typical in my experience, so the IGG can begin to identify the owner of that hair,” she said.
Investigators returned to Nancy Guthrie’s home on Feb. 6, 2026, as the investigation into her disappearance continued. (Fox News Flight Team/Fox News)
IGG is investigative genetic genealogy, the field she specializes in. It involves a combination of DNA profiles and traditional research, where investigators combine genetics, public records and other information to gin up leads that can help identify a person of interest through their heritage.
“At that point, we just have to hope that the hair actually belongs to Nancy’s kidnapper and not someone else who happened to visit her or had their hair transferred to her home,” Moore said.
FBI agents search the area behind Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Ariz., on Feb. 6, 2026. (Derek Shook for Fox News Digital)
Rootless hair samples helped land Long Island serial killer Rex Heuermann in prison decades after his first murder. He pleaded guilty earlier this month and is expected to receive multiple life sentences in June.
San Francisco-based Astrea Forensics, which did lab work on the Heuermann case for the FBI, is now expected to be involved in the Guthrie investigation.
Lab officials contacted by Fox News Digital have declined to comment.
A combined reward of more than $1.2 million in the case remains unclaimed.
Anyone with information is asked to dial 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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