A DNA expert has shared insights into factors that could potentially interfere with hair analysis in the Nancy Guthrie case.
Earlier this week, it was reported that a hair sample collected in February was sent to the FBI for further analysis.
This comes after the same evidence was tested by a Florida lab used by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Renowned genetic genealogist CeCe Moore views this latest development as promising, particularly given the involvement of hair DNA evidence.
“I’ve been really hoping that maybe they did have some hair to work with because of the more recent advancements in the field, hair absolutely can make the case solvable,” the expert said in the latest episode of “Brian Entin Investigates.”
Nancy Guthrie Update: Expert Notes Possible Problem in Ongoing Hair Analysis
However, Moore explained that there could be factors that can affect the hair analysis in the Nancy Guthrie case.
“What I heard early on from the labs that were trying to develop this type of analysis, they said that when hair is dyed, it can interfere,” Moore added. “Dyed hair can interfere with the process in some cases.”
The expert continued, “The chemical process can damage the DNA, apparently. But like I said, I was told that a few years ago.”
Moore noted that, with the current advances in technology, the labs may have already addressed this challenge.
Expert Believes Nancy Guthrie Case Isn’t Cold
In another interview, Moore suggested that the hair sample in the Nancy Guthrie case is a rootless hair.
The genetic genealogist explained that rootless hair was once thought to lack usable DNA for forensic testing, but new technology can now extract SNP profiles from it.
“I am imagining that the FBI is first looking at that to determine whether it could be consistent with Nancy’s hair, or any of the family members, or known individuals who had been in that house,” Moore explained the process in an interview with NewsNation. “If not, I am assuming that they will forward that on to Astraya Forensics, and the processing will begin at that point.”
Moore also revealed that it could possibly take months to get results, but is optimistic about the outcome.
“It can take months. In my experience with them, I’ve already helped law enforcement solve six cases using rootless hair alone,” she told the outlet. “And so, I know it can be done. My guess is that because this is not a cold case yet, and most of the cases are where we’re using rootless hair, that they will push this to the top of the priority list and get it done more quickly.”
