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By Jenna Sundel
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A genetic genealogist said it is possible that there is still some DNA evidence at Nancy Guthrie’s home, as the investigation into her disappearance continues.
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for over two months.
Surveillance footage released by law enforcement in February shows a man at Nancy’s home on the morning of her disappearance. The man, who has not been publicly identified, appears to have a flashlight in his mouth as he stands outside Nancy’s front door, NewsNation reported.
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CeCe Moore, a genetic genealogist, told the outlet that the man’s saliva could likely be found.
“DNA is hardy, so it’s certainly possible there’s still some DNA there,” Moore said. “In particular, I really do think that saliva is the most likely, because of what appeared to be that flashlight in his mouth.”
Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance: What To Know
Nancy’s disappearance has prompted a multiagency search involving local law enforcement and the FBI. She was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, on January 31.
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Alleged ransom notes have been sent to multiple news outlets.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said at a news conference in February that there were clues at the crime scene indicating that Nancy Guthrie "did not leave on her own." He also said Guthrie needs daily medication, and it could be fatal if she did not take it every 24 hours.
In February, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department released surveillance photos and videos of a potential subject as part of the investigation into Guthrie's disappearance.
"Working with our partners, as of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door the morning of her disappearance," the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department said.
What DNA Have Nancy Guthrie Investigators Found?
Law enforcement previously tested a glove found approximately two miles from Nancy's home in a field near the side of the road. The sheriff's department said there were no DNA hits in CODIS (Combined DNA Index System).
"At this point, there have been no confirmed CODIS matches in this investigation," the sheriff's department said at the time. Nanos said DNA results confirmed that blood on the porch of the residence belonged to Nancy.
Last month, Nanos said investigators have DNA they believe is “still workable” in the case of Nancy’s disappearance.
“I just can’t share everything I know, but I will tell you this: We have some DNA that we think is still workable, and we have to work that," the sheriff told journalist Bill Buckmaster. "And we know the science, and we know we have some labs around this country who are really working diligently to get there with this.”
The sheriff also suggested last month that DNA found at Nancy’s home could contain a mixture of DNA from several people, according to Today.
“With that kind of DNA complexity, it is my understanding and never in my knowledge have they been able to divide up something like that,” retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer previously told Newsweek.
Moore said she has faith that the “very skilled” crime scene investigators on Nancy’s case can find DNA evidence to assist with the investigation.
“They may not have swabbed the exact right thing to find that individual’s DNA, through no fault of their own; it’s just hard in a house like that,” Moore told NewsNation. “Where would you start, other than the obvious places?”
What Happens Next
The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the recovery of Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
"To help keep the tip line available for actionable investigative law enforcement leads, please submit only serious and detailed fact-based information, no well-wishes or case theories. The tip line is not for personal messages to the Guthrie family," FBI Phoenix said.
Additionally, 88-CRIME is offering a $102,500 reward for the arrest of the person or persons involved in the disappearance.
Savannah Guthrie announced on Instagram that the family is offering a reward of up to $1 million, payable only for her mother's recovery.
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