Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated that the investigation into the missing person case of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie is facing challenges due to issues with DNA evidence from her home. During an interview with NBC Nightly News, Nanos clarified that investigators are not pursuing any new leads currently, which contrasts with claims from local businesses that the FBI has been sharing a list of potential persons of interest. This discrepancy raises questions about the communication and coordination between local and federal authorities in the ongoing investigation.

The complications arise from the mixed DNA samples found at Guthrie's residence, which consist of genetic material from multiple individuals. Nanos highlighted that the mixed nature of these samples complicates their analysis, making it difficult to match the DNA to known individuals in national databases. He noted that the laboratory utilized in Florida is grappling with the rapid advancements in DNA technology, adding further challenges to the processing of this evidence. Without clear leads from this crucial evidence, the case may continue to stall.

Sheriff Nanos stressed the ongoing efforts to gather more information and leads in the investigation, indicating that while there is no immediate progress, the search for Nancy Guthrie remains a priority. The high-profile nature of this case, coupled with community concerns, underscores the necessity of resolving the evidentiary issues swiftly to bring closure to Guthrie’s family and the local community. The delays in DNA analysis could have significant implications in guiding the investigation forward, making stakeholder transparency and effective collaboration between agencies essential during this critical time.