The Nancy Guthrie disappearance has left the community in Tucson, Arizona, shaken and concerned. As the search for Guthrie, an 84-year-old mother and NBC "Today" host Savannah Guthrie's mother, enters its third week, the Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has made a plea to the suspect, urging them to "just let her go." The investigation is far from over, with 400 investigators working on thousands of tips and leads, and the sheriff emphasizing that the case will not be considered cold as long as there are leads to pursue.
The lack of a DNA match in the FBI database, known as the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), is not the end of the road, according to former FBI special agent John Iannarelli. He explained that DNA evidence can still be linked to relatives who have taken DNA tests, such as those offered by 23andMe or Ancestry. The FBI and the Sheriff's Department are exploring this avenue to find any connections.
The community is rallying around Guthrie's family, with locals placing yellow flowers near her mailbox, symbolizing hope and support. Residents like Jim and Terry express their worry about safety, especially for the elderly, and the impact of the crime on the usually secure community. Mary, a long-time resident, shares her empathy for Guthrie's family, highlighting the emotional toll of not knowing where a loved one is.
The investigation has also expanded to include gun store owners, with the FBI requesting information on recent firearm purchases. Phillip Martin, a gun store owner, assisted the FBI by checking his records for any matches, but none were found. The sheriff's office continues to analyze DNA evidence found at Guthrie's property, with no matches in the FBI database so far.
Despite the challenges, the sheriff remains optimistic, treating the investigation as a rescue operation. He believes Guthrie is still alive and expresses his determination to find her and bring the perpetrator to justice.
