LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Nearly two months after Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her Tucson home, investigators say they are working with mixed DNA samples and waiting for test results that could identify a suspect.
Briana Whitney, a reporter with Arizona’s Family in Phoenix who has covered the case extensively, said the investigation has reached an unexpected standstill.
“I don’t think any of us expected to pretty much feel like we’re back at square one at this point in the investigation,” Whitney said.
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Surveillance video fails to generate leads
Whitney said she expected the case to progress when surveillance video was released showing a masked person at Guthrie’s home.
“You would recognize that if you knew that person, friend, family, even maybe an acquaintance,” Whitney said. “And for that not to have moved the needle on being further along in the investigation was shocking in and of itself.”
Investigators found mixed DNA samples inside Guthrie’s home. Whitney said separating individual profiles from mixed samples can be time-consuming.
“Whatever item, evidence piece that they are testing, there are multiple people’s DNA on that,” Whitney said.
The samples must be tested through different databases, including CODIS for criminal offenders and genetic genealogy databases.
Motive remains unclear
Investigators have explored multiple theories, including a burglary gone wrong and a targeted abduction.
Two ransom notes were sent to KOLD, FOX5’s sister station in Tucson, but the person who sent them never provided proof that Guthrie was alive. The Guthrie family offered a large reward, but no credible information has come forward.
“The person who abducted or the people who abducted Nancy Guthrie never gave proof of life,” Whitney said.
Whitney said the ransom notes being sent to a Tucson station suggest the abductor may be familiar with the area.
“I don’t think a lot of people may know who KOLD is outside of those who live in that market,” Whitney said.
Sheriff faces criticism
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has faced criticism over the investigation. A recall effort has been launched against him.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is the lead investigative agency, with the FBI assisting. Whitney said the department has not held a press conference since the first week of the investigation.
Nanos admitted it was a mistake to clear and open the crime scene before the FBI could process it. The scene had to be shut down again so federal investigators could examine it.
“We’ve watched that scene be so completely clear to the point where the sheriff’s department, the deputies on scene, allowed us to go up to the front door,” Whitney said.
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Two detained, then released
Luke Daly and his mother, Mary, were detained Feb. 13 after investigators found a Range Rover in a parking lot. Both were released without charges.
Nanos cleared Guthrie’s siblings and their spouses, but has not officially cleared Daly or another man who was detained.
Whitney said investigators have likely questioned contractors, landscapers, and anyone who had access to Guthrie’s home. No other people have been detained.
Public demand for information
Whitney said the case generated unprecedented public demand for information, with live streamers camping outside Guthrie’s home and broadcasting unverified details.
“I’ve never reported on anything quite like this,” Whitney said. “The absolute need that the public wanted and felt for every single little detail in this left everybody feeling like it was kind of an anxious 24/7.”
Whitney said some information being shared online was speculative and included naming potential suspects without verification.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department initially sent daily updates to newsrooms but has since slowed communication.
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