By Isabella Torregiani
11:40am PST, Feb 23, 2026
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Complications involving DNA evidence are creating new "challenges" in the search for
Savannah Guthrie's missing mother,
Nancy Guthrie, according to Pima County Sheriff
Chris Nanos.
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"Our lab tells us there's challenges with it," Chris Nanos said in a sit-down interview with NBC News correspondent Erin McLaughlin, explaining that the DNA found inside Nancy Guthrie's home is "mixed."
The law enforcement official said that when DNA is "mixed," it contains material from multiple people, making it harder to analyze through national databases.
"The technology is moving so fast and it's such a frenzy that they think some of this stuff will resolve itself just in a matter of weeks, months or maybe a year," Nanos added.
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Early in the investigation, authorities revealed that "DNA other than Nancy Guthrie's and those in close contact to her" was found inside her Arizona home.
A statement issued at the time said, "Investigators are working to identify who it belongs to. We are not disclosing where that DNA was located."
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Nancy Guthrie was first reported missing on February 1 after she failed to meet friends for a virtual church service.
While authorities have yet to identify a suspect in her disappearance, investigators have ruled out Savannah Guthrie, her brother Camron Guthrie, her sister Annie Guthrie and other family members.
"Not one single person in the family is a suspect," Chris Nanos told KOLD 12 News, adding of media reports speculating that a family member could be involved, "So I am telling everyone, effective today, you guys need to knock it off, quit. People are hurting. They are victims. I am saying they are clear. We have cleared them."
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As the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its fourth week, Chris Nanos admitted that the investigation is "not going fast enough."
"It's never fast enough for the sheriff," he said. "I want it like you — come on, guys, let's go, let's go, let's find her. But the reality is that I also know that sometimes things take time."
Although Nanos acknowledged that authorities currently have "no names" in connection with the disappearance, he said they are "getting closer" to finding her and those allegedly responsible.
"In terms of leads and working and getting out there, I think that [the investigation] is still growing, yeah," he said. "I think we're getting closer to identifying some of the other articles, not just that backpack — like the shoes, the pants, the shirt or jacket."
When reporters asked if he had a message for the Guthrie family, Nanos responded, "We're not quitting. We will find her. Yeah."
