Nancy Guthrie Update: Retired Homicide Detective Reveals Why DNA Won’t Solve the Case

Michelle Stein November 11, 2026, 11:48 am

What To Know

Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, remains missing nine months after her abduction from her Tucson-area home.
Retired homicide detective Chris McDonough questioned the emphasis on unidentified male DNA, saying investigators should focus on interviews and Nancy’s personal connections.
No suspect has been named despite the release of masked-suspect photos and alleged ransom notes.

Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, is still missing nine months after her Tucson, Arizona, abduction — and a retired homicide detective revealed why he thinks DNA technology won’t solve the case.

In an interview with Ashleigh Banfield for NewsNation published on November 9, Chris McDonough — a retired homicide detective and The Interview Room host — speculated on Nancy’s case. Banfield and McDonough discussed the evidence, debated what the focus of the investigation should be, and even criticized lead investigator Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.

“One thing that kind of makes me crazy about this case is that so much faith has gone into this unknown male DNA,” Banfield said, noting the evidence was mixed DNA that has undergone a plethora of testing.

She added, “All of that is great gumshoe detective work, if you’re actually chasing the guy…. Here, we get some sample that was found in the kitchen. Could have been the FedEx guy. We’re putting so much into something we don’t even know is the thing, is the guy.”

To that, McDonough agreed, replying, “I think the sheriff has put way too much emphasis on technology.”

Nancy Guthrie Update: Former FBI Profiler Says Abductor May Know Family

He explained, “I came from a time [when] we didn’t have any of this stuff. We didn’t have DNA. We had O positive at the crime scene. While pointing to his mouth, he added, “This was the skill, right here.”

McDonough then advised, “You need to get to fundamentals, and you need to talk to people. You need to learn about the victim. You need to learn about their circle of influence.”

Savannah’s mother was last seen at her Catalina Foothills home on January 31; her family reported her missing on February 1. Despite investigators releasing photos of a masked suspect (deemed “Porch Guy” by many) and alleged ransom notes, no suspect has been named in the case. Savannah has offered $1 million for information leading to an arrest, in addition to other reward money.