Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: SAVANNAH GUTHRIE MOM MISSING: DAY 19
Date: February 19, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace
Guests: Dave Mack (Crime Stories reporter), Dr. Bethany Marshall (Psychoanalyst), Kelly Hyman (Attorney/Analyst), Scott Eicher (Digital Forensics Expert), Tammy Ballard (DNA Crime Scene Consultant)

Episode Overview

Theme:
Nineteen days into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie — mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie — Nancy Grace and an expert panel dissect new developments in the investigation, including the discovery of new DNA evidence, law enforcement’s handling of the case, the extension of the search into Mexico, and the emotional toll on the Guthrie family.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Discovery of New DNA Evidence

• Late DNA Find: Biological material not belonging to Nancy Guthrie was found inside her home two weeks after her disappearance, despite earlier searches.
  • Dave Mack (03:04): “Law enforcement finding biological material inside the home that does not belong to Nancy Guthrie."
• Scrutiny & Concerns:
  • Discussion about why the evidence wasn't located sooner and how this delay could impact future court proceedings.
  • Kelly Hyman (04:49): “Now, I could see a lot of couch investigators saying that there’s something wrong with that. Why didn’t they find this DNA the first time?”
• Panel Consensus:
  The delay will be subject to a “frontal attack” at trial but does not necessarily indicate evidence tampering, especially since the perpetrator remains unidentified.
  • Nancy Grace (05:26): “Nobody planted this DNA. It was impossible at this juncture.”

Law Enforcement Procedures

• Local vs. Federal Involvement:
  • A discussion on limited local expertise with kidnappings for ransom and the FBI’s eventual involvement bringing more specialized tools and perspectives.
  • Scott Eicher (07:35): “You come in with fresh eyes or different eyes… the FBI with its specialized equipment and knowledge, that’s always good to go back and look again.”
  • Nancy Grace (09:53): “They are very possessive of the case that they started investigating… trying to do what’s best for your case, you let [the feds] in.”
• Crime Scene Processing:
  • Tammy Ballard (12:27): “With respect to the finding the DNA two weeks later, my first thought would be to compare that to the DNA from everybody who has entered that residence just to rule that out so there’s no embarrassment down the road.”

2. The Emotional Toll on the Family

• The Agony of Not Knowing:

  • Dr. Bethany Marshall offers a psychological perspective on the trauma faced by Savannah Guthrie and her siblings amidst ongoing uncertainty.
  • Dr. Bethany Marshall (19:57): “They have no idea if their mother is dead or alive… when we face the unknown, we project into it our worst possible fears… they need their mother back, whether she’s deceased or alive.”

• Family’s Public Plea:

  • Savannah Guthrie’s sibling delivers an emotional message of hope and thanks to the community and a plea for the safe return of their mother.
  • Savannah Guthrie’s Sibling (31:09): “We want to thank all of you for the prayers for our beloved mom… She is our beacon. She holds fast to joy in all of life’s circumstances. She chooses joy day after day.”

3. Search Efforts and the Mexican Connection

• Extension into Mexico:

  • Law enforcement, as well as the Guthrie family, are investigating whether Nancy Guthrie was taken across the border at Nogales, less than 60 miles away.
  • Dave Mack (25:11): “The searching mothers of Sonora… have been contacted by the Guthrie family… it is more than just possible… Nancy Guthrie could have been taken across the border.”

• Search and Collaboration:

  • The “Searching Mothers of Sonora,” a group of Mexican mothers dedicated to finding missing persons, are described as well-connected and fiercely motivated.
  • Dr. Bethany Marshall (29:28): “These women are fierce. They may not have all the DNA testing but they have connections… they are people to be reckoned with.”

• Challenges in Mexican-American Investigations:

  • U.S. authorities often face difficulties with local law enforcement corruption and bureaucracy in Mexico.
  • Dave Mack (30:31): “Oftentimes we run up against local authorities who are not necessarily on the up and up… we don’t know who’s the real law enforcement and who’s really in charge.”

4. Polygraphs, DNA Comparisons, and Investigative Tools

• Polygraph Usage:

  • Wide net: All individuals with access to the Guthrie home — even pool workers and church congregants — are being considered for polygraph testing.
  • Nancy Grace (34:44): “Everyone connected to Nancy Guthrie should volunteer for a polygraph. Done. What’s the problem?”
  • Kelly Hyman (35:47): “No stone should go unturned, Nancy, in this case. And so the polygraphs should be done as well.”

• DNA Testing Protocols:

  • The steps that must be taken to exclude contamination by investigators or family, and the importance of using local, national, and international DNA databases (AZ, CODIS, Interpol, Mexican I Familia).
  • Nancy Grace (23:26): “There's not just CODIS, the National DNA Data bank, there is also the Arizona Data bank… much more diverse array of DNA and there's over a half a million DNA profiles in the Arizona Data Bank… Interpol’s DNA Data Bank… the Mexican DNA Data bank.”

• Modern Surveillance and Tracking:

  • The potential role of GPS, connected car services (e.g., OnStar, SiriusXM Guardian), and vehicle nav systems in tracking suspect vehicles.
  • Nancy Grace (43:56): “Standard SiriusXM satellite radio only receives signals and cannot track a car… However, vehicles with active Sirius XM connected vehicle services like Guardian, uconnect… can be tracked as these use GPS and cell networks to provide location data.”

5. Concerns Over Law Enforcement’s Priorities and Media Presence

• Reality TV Show Involvement:
  • A controversy emerges as the Pima County Sheriff’s office is revealed to be filming for an A&E reality show “Desert Law,” raising concerns of distraction and poor optics.
  • Dr. Bethany Marshall (38:38): “We’re worried about not enough resources on the ground… but all those resources are being pulled away towards a TV show. It’s really diluting the resources…”
• Press Access and Transparency:
  • The sheriff’s office is limiting questions from reporters and granting selective interviews, further straining public trust.
  • Dr. Bethany Marshall (41:25): “He’s choosing reporters from very big networks… that leaves out, that weeds out the reporters from smaller outlets that really might ask incisive questions… This is time he could spend finding Nancy Guthrie.”

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• Nancy Grace on DNA Criticism (05:26):

  • “Kelly Heim is actually being generous and delicate with this attack because let me assure you that when and if this goes to trial, there will be a frontal attack on this DNA.”

• Tammy Ballard on Returning to Scene (13:17):

  • "If more information has come out and I’m allowed to go to a scene and check for additional items… you got to stay humble, stay open. Everybody there should be as a team and just trying to do the right thing and find Nancy Guthrie and the perpetrator."

• Dr. Bethany Marshall on Family’s Agony (19:57):

  • “They need their mother back, whether she’s deceased or alive. Nancy, they need to know what’s happened to her.”

• Savannah Guthrie’s Sibling’s Plea (31:09):

  • “You’re not lost or alone. And it is never too late to do the right thing… our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light… She chooses joy day after day.”

• Nancy Grace on Resource Allocation (38:17):

  • “The sheriff’s office in the Nancy Guthrie case has its own reality show. Now apparently Nanos has not appeared on camera yet, but coordinates with the production company behind the scenes. Gut reaction, not a good look.”

Important Timestamps

• [03:04] – Discovery of unidentified DNA at the crime scene
• [12:27] – DNA processing protocol and re-entering the crime scene
• [19:57] – Psychological toll on the Guthrie family
• [25:11] – Family reaches out to Mexican search group
• [31:09] – Sibling’s emotional public statement
• [33:45] – Law enforcement polygraphing all with access to Nancy Guthrie
• [37:32] – News about “Desert Law” reality show
• [41:25] – Press access concerns and impact on investigation
• [43:56] – Technical explanation of car tracking via connected vehicle services

Summary Takeaways

• The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance intensifies with the discovery of new DNA evidence, sparking debate over law enforcement efficacy and investigative process.
• Family, frustrated by perceived law enforcement gaps, extends their search into Mexico, collaborating with grassroots organizations while navigating international legal complexities.
• The emotional trauma suffered by the Guthrie family is palpable, highlighted by their hopeful but anguished public statements.
• Use of polygraphs, DNA databanks, and vehicle tracking technologies demonstrates the breadth of investigative tools being deployed.
• Public and panelist concern grows about the sheriff’s department’s focus and transparency, heightened by their involvement in a reality TV show and selective engagement with the media.
• Throughout, the episode maintains a relentless, urgent tone, emphasizing both the stakes for the Guthrie family and the critical importance of competent, thorough investigation.