Representatives from FamilyTreeDNA emphasized that the company operates under strict privacy standards and does not directly conduct investigative work for police agencies. Instead, it collaborates with independent partners that manage law enforcement queries using opt-in consent databases.
Officials from GEDmatch explained that their platform allows authorities to search DNA profiles to identify criminals or unknown human remains. The company noted that law enforcement usage of the service is often disclosed publicly only after investigations produce results.
The disappearance of Guthrie has attracted national attention, partly because of her connection to television journalist Savannah Guthrie, who has publicly expressed hope for her safe return.
Investigators continue exploring multiple leads while forensic teams attempt to determine whether the DNA evidence can be refined into a usable profile. Authorities say privacy laws and technical limitations sometimes restrict how genetic data can be processed.
