Morning Wire: Finding Nancy Guthrie – The Elimination Game (Ep.11)

Date: February 17, 2026
Host: Lyndon Blake (Daily Wire)
Guest: Chris Hinkle (Former FBI Supervisory Special Agent)
Theme: Updates and analysis on the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, focusing on suspect elimination, new DNA evidence, and investigation challenges.

Episode Overview

This episode centers on day sixteen of the missing persons investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Major developments include the official elimination of immediate family members as suspects, the emergence of potential DNA evidence, and the impact of unclear communication from law enforcement. Guest expert Chris Hinkle provides insider analysis on investigative methods and the implications of recent events.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Immediate Family Cleared as Suspects

• [00:32-02:05] Sheriff Chris Nanos announced that Nancy Guthrie's immediate family and their spouses (including Annie Tomasso Cameron, Savannah, and her husband Mike) have been cleared as suspects.
• This addresses widespread speculation over possible family involvement.
• Host Commentary: "This has been something that a lot of people have been questioning for the last two weeks... we've been told over and over again that no one was cleared and everyone was a suspect." (00:52, Lyndon Blake)

2. Narrative Confusion and Rumors

• Misinformation persists, especially around details such as the location of a glove—clarified as being found two miles away from Nancy’s home, not inside.
• Conflicting theories continue (possible burglary vs. targeted abduction), with law enforcement pushing back on burglary rumors.

3. Savannah Guthrie’s Public Appeal

• [02:26-03:21] Nancy’s daughter Savannah posted a heartfelt video update.
  • She stressed continuing hope and directly appealed to whoever may have her mother:
    • “You’re not lost or alone, and it’s never too late to do the right thing.”
• Online speculation arose regarding Savannah's wording—whether she possesses any inside knowledge or suspicions.

4. DNA Evidence from Discovered Glove

• [03:22-05:52] A key detail: FBI found male DNA on a glove found two miles from the home (out of 16 gloves collected).
• DNA is being processed; results are pending confirmation against national databases.
• Expert insight from Chris Hinkle:
  • Quote: "When we're talking DNA evidence, the FBI is the premier... my concern is having it sent to a lab that they have to wait on... if we get differing variations in the results of the test, a good defense attorney is going to get that thrown out." (08:15, Chris Hinkle)

5. TMZ Notes and Ransom Claims

• [05:52-06:34] Multiple anonymous notes (now up to four) have been sent to TMZ, the latest now claiming Nancy was spotted in Mexico and demanding a ransom in Bitcoin.
• Host skepticism: “It just seems unlikely because there's been no proof of life at all that this is going to lead to whoever has Nancy Guthrie.” (06:17, Lyndon Blake)
• TMZ’s Harvey Levin offers the alleged author a deal to validate claims before promising any payout.

6. Expert Analysis: Theories and Process

• [06:39-09:06] Chris Hinkle’s perspective:

  • Rejects the burglary-gone-wrong narrative, citing the suspect’s backpack and the area’s security.
    • Quote: “I'm not one that's buying into that this was a burglary gone wrong...” (06:39, Chris Hinkle)
  • Suggests Nancy may have inadvertently left her door unlocked.
  • Emphasizes that one DNA hit could rapidly advance the case, especially if the suspect has a criminal record.

• [09:06-10:25] Discussion on investigative next steps:

  • If there's no match in the FBI's CODIS database, authorities may turn to consumer genealogy databases like 23andMe (with a court order).
  • Cautions against false hope from DNA, as verification and follow-up investigation remain crucial.

• Case Management Challenges:

  • Hinkle cites leadership and coordination issues:
    • Quote: “I think that the biggest issue that we have... it's a leadership issue at this crime scene.” (11:25, Chris Hinkle)
    • Advocates for using all FBI resources to avoid delays.

7. Public Communication Problems

• [11:59-12:30] Discussion on inconsistent information and lack of transparency from authorities.
  • Both host and guest agree daily press briefings would prevent rumors and provide clarity—without compromising the investigation.
    • Quote: “If there were press conferences... there wouldn't be all these rumors flying around.” (11:59, Lyndon Blake)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Savannah Guthrie’s Heartfelt Plea:
  “You’re not lost or alone, and it’s never too late to do the right thing.” (03:06, Savannah Guthrie via video message)

• Chris Hinkle on the investigation:
  “I'm not one that's buying into that this was a burglary gone wrong... unless those are burglary tools, I guess that would fill up a backpack. But if someone's coming there with the intent to take someone hostage, you're going to have... a lot of supplies and things that you would need.” (06:40, Chris Hinkle)

• On Communication Failures:
  “There hasn't been direct communication from the people running this case and the public... If there were press conferences... there wouldn't be all these rumors flying around.” (11:51, Lyndon Blake)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:32 — Family officially cleared
• 02:26 — Savannah Guthrie’s video and appeal
• 03:22 — DNA evidence and glove discovery details
• 05:52 — Ransom letters and TMZ’s involvement
• 06:39 — Chris Hinkle’s initial assessment/interview
• 09:06 — DNA processing, genealogy, investigative process
• 10:25 — Crime scene leadership and coordination issues
• 11:59 — The call for daily press briefings

Tone and Style

The episode maintains a measured, investigative tone—balancing empathy for the Guthrie family with factual, step-by-step crime scene analysis. Both host and guest stress the importance of structured law enforcement communication and scientific rigor in crime scene processing.

Summary

As the search for Nancy Guthrie stretches into its third week, the focus shifts from the family to a potential outside perpetrator. DNA evidence offers hope, but procedural clarity and public transparency are urgently needed. The episode concludes with a call for improved law enforcement communication and a reminder of the ongoing tip line for any leads.