Investigators searching for Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy, have shared a new update on their efforts to advance the case, revealing that members of the team traveled to Florida to meet with laboratory scientists.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department issued the statement on Friday, October 30, as the search approaches nine months. Nancy, 84, was reported missing on February 1 — 272 days before October 31 — after disappearing from her home near Tucson, Arizona.
The latest announcement centers on ongoing DNA analysis, with investigators exploring what further work could help them find answers.
"The Nancy Guthrie Task Force continues to work with our labs in hopes of furthering our DNA analysis in this investigation," the department said. The statement did not announce a breakthrough or identify anyone responsible for Nancy's disappearance.
© NBCNancy Guthrie investigators pursue further DNA analysis
According to the update, investigators met with scientists earlier in October to discuss possible next steps.
"Earlier this month investigators traveled to Florida to meet with lab scientists to see what more could be done to advance the case," the department continued. "A number of ideas were discussed, and we continue to work with all of our partners to solve this case."
© Getty ImagesForensic testing has been part of the investigation for months. In April, an FBI official confirmed that a hair sample collected in February had been transferred from a private Florida laboratory to the bureau for testing. At the time, the official clarified that the transfer did not represent newly discovered DNA evidence.
More recently, authorities investigated a possible ransom text message in September before determining that it was not credible. The sheriff's department urged anyone receiving communications connected to Nancy to report them.
© Getty ImagesSavannah Guthrie's mother remains the subject of an FBI appeal
Nancy was last seen at her Catalina Foothills home on the evening of January 31. The FBI describes her as a vulnerable adult who has difficulty walking, has a pacemaker and requires daily medication for a heart condition.
The bureau continues to seek information about an armed individual seen apparently tampering with her front-door camera on the morning of her disappearance. Its public appeal offers up to $100,000 for information leading to Nancy's location or the arrest and conviction of those involved.
© Getty ImagesSavannah has long spoken about her close relationship with her mother. In a birthday tribute shared before Nancy disappeared, she wrote: "My mom Nancy is my heart and my everything and my model for what a mother should be."'
Anyone with information can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov, or contact 88-CRIME, as requested in the latest sheriff's statement.
"We want to remind the public that no tip is too small," the department said. "Even the smallest piece of information could be critical to this investigation."
