DNA results on glove evidence could be pivotal in Nancy Guthrie case

TUCSON, AZ – AS Nancy Guthrie case Entering the third week, investigators and the public are awaiting potentially pivotal DNA results linked to a glove found near the scene.

But according to Retired FBI agent Jason BuckEven the great development in forensic medicine may not be the magic solution that many expect.

“From the perspective of the customer who’s sitting in that war room waiting for lab results, DNA is one of the most powerful tools we have, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood by the public,” Buck told Fox News Digital.

As investigators await DNA results on a key piece of evidence, Buck said they are preparing for what he described as “three parallel realities.”

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A tent is placed over the front entrance of Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Arizona, on Thursday, February 12, 2026. The investigation into her disappearance is ongoing. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)

if DNA matches Buck, a well-known individual, described it as “clearly an important investigative development” – but cautioned against jumping to conclusions.

“Match does not automatically equal guilt,” he said. “It tells you that this person’s biological material has come into contact with this item at some point. You still need to build the narrative around it. When? How? Is there an innocent explanation?”

He noted that any competent defense attorney would immediately examine the chain of custody, potential contamination, and the possibility of secondary transmission.

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“So the match speeds up your investigation,” Buck explained. “Don’t close it.”

A mismatch, meaning the DNA belongs to someone who is not currently on investigators’ radar, could have the same meaning, he explained.

“Now you’ve potentially identified an unknown subject. You’re running it through CODIS, looking at familial DNA possibilities, and expanding your universe of suspects,” Buck said.

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Police tape appeared around Nancy Guthrie’s home in Arizona on Wednesday, February 4. Officials say they are treating the home as a crime scene. (Fox News Channel)

More importantly, he noted, the development would not necessarily dismantle existing theory of inquiry.

“That doesn’t mean your current theory is wrong. It just means you have a new string to pull.”

The third possibility — inconclusive or degraded results — is often the most misunderstood outcome, Buck said.

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Environmental exposure, mixture profiles, glove materials themselves, and low-copy-number DNA can all complicate testing, he added.

“An inconclusive finding does not exonerate anyone, nor does it implicate anyone,” Buck said. “It simply means that a particular piece of evidence cannot speak as loudly as you had hoped.”

Buck cautioned against letting one piece of evidence control public expectations.

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“I have worked investigations where One piece of evidence “It has become an obsession among public opinion, and has created enormous pressure that does not serve the cause.”

While a glove recovered at or near the scene of an accident is important, he noted that such items can be fleeting.

“Gloves are dropped, thrown away and blown away,” Buck said. “The questions of when it was filed and whether it is actually linked to the crime are as important as the DNA found on it.”

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FBI agents search homes near Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Friday, February 6, 2026. Guthrie was last seen Saturday night as the investigation into her disappearance continues. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)

He added that experienced investigators never rely on just one criminal finding.

“DNA is one lane on a multi-lane highway,” Buck said, pointing to digital forensics, cell tower data, witness surveys, and financial records. Surveillance footage Behavioral analysis as parallel paths of investigation.

“The best cases are built on convergence — when several independent lines of evidence point in the same direction,” he said. “You never want to be in a situation where your entire condition goes up or down because of one lab result.”

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NBC provided an undated photo of Nancy Guthrie in response to the disappearance of the “Today” show host’s 84-year-old mother, Savannah Guthrie. (Courtesy of NBC)

As anticipation grows around the pending DNA results, Buck offered a final note of restraint.

“While these DNA results may be the most unexpected development, they should not be viewed as the most definitive, regardless of what they show.”

Timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance:

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January 31, 2026

Between 9:30 – 9:45 PM – The family drives Nancy home

9:50 PM – Garage door closes (depending on authorities)

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February 1, 2026

1:47 AM – Doorbell camera disconnected

2:12 AM – Security camera detects movement

2:28 AM – Pacemaker disconnects from phone app

11:56 AM – Family is checking on Nancy after she missed the weekly church livestream gathering

12:03 PM – 911 called

12:15 PM – Sheriff’s deputies arrive at the home

Stephenie Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and immigrant crimes. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.