3 ways investigators could solve the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping - Los Angeles Times
Los Angeles Times
by Richard Winton, Hannah FryFebruary 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, a mother of a renowned TV personality, has captivated the nation for over three weeks with no definitive leads or suspects identified. Despite more than 20,000 tips and advanced forensic efforts, the investigation remains unresolved. Key evidence includes bloodstains on her doorstep, a recovered ski mask from her doorbell camera, and multiple gloves found nearby, one of which matches the suspect’s attire in surveillance footage. While authorities have yet to find a DNA match in federal databases, they remain hopeful about potential breakthroughs through forensic science or genetic genealogy.
One promising avenue is forensic evidence. Investigators are meticulously analyzing DNA samples collected from Guthrie’s home and surrounding areas. Among these, a glove found two miles from the scene matches the suspect’s appearance in the video. However, the DNA on this glove doesn’t match known criminals in CODIS, the federal database. Sheriff Chris Nanos emphasized that separating mixed DNA strands could reveal clues about the abductor. Additionally, Guthrie’s home yielded multiple DNA profiles, suggesting the presence of more than one individual.
Another critical angle is familial DNA analysis, a technique that successfully solved high-profile cases like the Golden State Killer. By cross-referencing crime scene DNA with public genealogy databases, experts can trace distant relatives and reconstruct family trees to identify suspects. In Guthrie’s case, authorities are exploring this method, as it could uncover connections tied to the collected DNA samples. This approach marks a significant advancement in crime-solving, offering new hope for resolving cases that might otherwise go cold.
The investigation underscores the evolving
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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/24/2026