As the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its 43rd day, a forensic expert is weighing in on a possible “second crime scene” and how it could help investigators solve the case.
Renowned genetic genealogist CeCe Moore floated the idea in an interview with NewsNation’s Natasha Zouves and explained how genetic genealogy could come into play.
“I don’t even like to think of this, but if there is a second crime scene that is discovered or her, you know, remains, then that gives them another opportunity to find DNA,” Moore said in an episode of “The Truth of the Matter Podcast.”
Case Similar to Nancy Guthrie’s Solved Through ‘Second Crime Scene’
Moore cited a kidnapping case in Australia that she said was strikingly similar to the Nancy Guthrie case. She explained that an elderly man was taken from his home late at night in what ultimately turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. He was later found deceased.
“They found a second crime scene in his case because he was held somewhere for a while. His name is Chris Baghsarian.” Moore told Zouves. “Unfortunately, his case has been resolved in, you know, the worst possible way.”
Authorities reportedly found Baghsarian’s DNA all over the place, including his blood and a severed finger. The perpetrators’ DNA was also recovered, which ultimately led to their arrest.
Forensic Expert Believes DNA Is Key To Solving Nancy Guthrie Case
Moore stressed the importance of locating a possible second crime scene in the Nancy Guthrie case.
“We don’t want to hope for a second crime scene or remains to be found of Nancy,” the forensic expert added. “Of course, we all still want to believe she’s alive, but she was held somewhere. That alone is a crime, right?”
She continued, “If she’s kidnapped and held against her will, that place she’s being held is a second crime scene. Or if she was deceased, you know, in the car or something. Again, that is also what I would call a second crime scene.”
Moore believes that it’s only a matter of time before authorities close in on the suspect.
“We leave DNA everywhere. Nancy would have left DNA everywhere she was taken, and the perpetrator would have as well,” Moore emphasized. “So, it’s just a matter of finding that.”
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed in February that investigators discovered mixed and partial DNA at Nancy Guthrie’s home. He also revealed that there are “challenges” with the sample and that it could take up to a year to resolve.
