Nancy Guthrie case update: Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos reveals forensic hurdle

“As far as leads and action and coming out, I think this is still growing, yes,” Nanos said of the investigation during the investigation. Interview with “NBC Nightly News,” which aired Saturday.

The sheriff’s statements contradict statements from local businesses about how the list of names and photos was viewed by the FBI.

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Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson home in the early hours of February 1, with investigators treating the case as an apparent kidnapping. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said no new names were being considered in the case, and alluded to technological challenges related to DNA. (Jan Sonnenmeier/Getty Images; Courtesy of NBC)

It is also unclear whether this is true or not DNA It was found inside Guthrie’s and was useful to the investigation. The samples are mixed, meaning they contain DNA from more than one person, making them difficult to screen in national databases, Nanos said.

“Our lab tells us there are challenges with it,” Nanos said of the Florida lab his agent uses. “Technology is moving so fast and so frenzied that they think some of these things will sort themselves out in a matter of weeks, months, or maybe a year.”

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Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos speaks to the media in Catalina, Arizona, on February 3, while answering questions about the search for Nancy Guthrie. (Jan Sonnenmeier/Getty Images)

The sheriff noted that investigators are still working on other avenues for the weeks-long investigation into Guthrie’s kidnapping.

He added, “I think we’re getting a little closer to identifying some other items, not just that backpack. Like shoes, pants, shirt, or jacket.”

Guthrie was last seen on the night of Saturday, January 31, 2026, after she arrived home in Catalina foothills Area near Tucson.

“Today” host Savannah Guthrie, right, with her mother, Nancy Guthrie. (Don Arnold/WireImage)

“It wasn’t fast enough for the sheriff,” Nanos said of criticism of his office weeks after Guthrie disappeared, without any arrests being made. “I want her as much as you do. Come on guys, let’s go. Let’s go, let’s find her. But the truth is, I also know that sometimes things take time.”

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He added: “We will not resign.” “We will find her.”

Fox News Digital’s Michael Ruiz contributed to this report.