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Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance and possible kidnapping has captured the attention of the entire nation. NewsNation’s second interview with Deborah Stonebarger on February 20, 2026 centers upon possible next steps in the investigation and how genetic genealogy may play a part. See the interview, courtesy of Fox 10, here.

Fox 10 Talks’ second interview with Deborah Stonebarger on February 18, 2026 centers upon possible next steps in the investigation and how genetic genealogy may play a part. See the interview, courtesy of Fox 10, here.

NewsNation interviewed Deborah Stonebarger on February 17, 2026, regarding the case, including the potential motives of the perpetrators of Guthrie’s disappearance. See the interview here (courtesy of NewsNation).

See Deborah Stonebarger discuss forensic aspects of the Nancy Guthrie case on February 13, 2026 with the hosts of Phoenix’s Fox 10 Talks in this video, including the potential for DNA recovery from a discarded glove, and the procedural hurdles faced by the investigative team.

Don’t miss Deborah Stonebarger’s presentation to the California Association of Licensed Investigators (CALI) annual conference in August! Deborah will dive into the evolving perceptions of DNA evidence in criminal cases. Her presentation will explore why DNA is no longer considered the “gold standard of evidence” in many cases. Attendees will gain insights into effective strategies that private investigators and their attorneys can use to challenge DNA evidence in criminal cases. The session also addresses how labs and members of the prosecution use reporting language in a way that makes the evidence appear stronger than it really is. For more information on the conference, please click here.

“DNA: Do Not Assume (Evidence is Not Always as It Seems)”

Deborah Stonebarger also has an article in the Spring 2025 Issue of Working PI Magazine! Deborah explores the limitations of DNA evidence. Courts are beginning to recognize that DNA testimony can be misleading, and that all possible interpretations of the evidence must be considered during a trial.

Listen to Deborah Stonebarger as she is interviewed by the true crime podcaster Scott Fulmer! In this episode of A Study in Crime: A True Crime Podcast, Deborah and Scott discuss her role in the manhunt for Aaron Bassler, who fatally shot two men in the vast woods of Northern California’s so-called “Emerald Triangle.” Find the episode here, or on your favorite podcast platform!

Deborah Stonebarger presented at the 2024 Annual Conference of the Arizona Association of Licensed Private Investigators, discussing forensic firearms examination and providing an update on forensic evidence errors that have plagued forensic laboratories over the past year.

“Forensic Firearms Facts for Investigators”

Another of Deborah Stonebarger’s articles appeared in Working PI Magazine this summer. Check it out!

“Ballistics, Blood Spatter, and Bureaucracy”

Deborah presented at the Arizona Public Defenders Association Annual Conference on June 20, 2024. Contact her today if you missed the session and want to know more!

“Why a Criminalist Expert can be Helpful to Criminal Defense Investigations”

Deborah’s article appeared in Working PI Magazine‘s Spring 2024 (Volume 6) edition (https://issuu.com/workingre/docs/workingpi_issue6?fr=sYWE5OTYzMDAzNjE)

“Hunting a Hunter: In Search of Aaron Bassler.”

Deborah Stonebarger was the 2023 AALPI Spring Training Instructor presenting “Hunting a Hunter: In Search of Aaron Bassler.” This was a high-profile case where Stonebarger’s forensic experience demonstrated Bassler’s guilt in two homicides and attempted homicide of SWAT officers.


Maurice Hastings speaking at the California Association of Criminalists annual conference in 2024.

The Los Angeles Innocence Project

Analytic Investigations had the opportunity to meet Maurice Hastings at the California Association of Criminalists annual conference in 2024. Mr. Hastings spoke at the conference about his wrongful conviction of murder in 1988. He was ultimately exonerated in 2022, and found factually innocent in 2023, thanks to the assistance he received from the Los Angeles Innocence Project and their Director, Paula Mitchell. 

Analytic Investigations spoke with Mr. Hastings and Ms. Mitchell after their presentation. Mr. Hastings thanked us for doing the work we do, stating that he knows there are other people “doing time” when they are innocent, and that he hopes experts will continue to provide services to help those who are wrongfully incarcerated.

From left: Deborah Stonebarger, Maruice Hastings, Paula Mitchell, and Kevin Stonebarger

Testimonials

We truly appreciate all the incredible support you’ve provided throughout the entire case process. Words can’t fully express how grateful we are for the attention to detail and the dedication you brought to every aspect of the report and your work. Your presence at the settlement conference and the time you took to speak with us meant so much — it gave us the strength and confidence to keep pushing forward.

We are deeply thankful for everything you’ve done to help us reach a resolution. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

-Analytic Investigations client M. (name withheld upon request). M. was accused of child sex trafficking and attempted sexual conduct with a minor. The case was dismissed, in large part due to the expert assistance of Analytic Investigations.

The approach taken by Analytic Investigations and Deborah Stonebarger has allowed my case to be viewed from a scientific standpoint that balanced the playing field with the interpretation and presentation of evidence attributed to my case as well as evidence that was not appropriately applied by investigators, crime lab personnel, medical examiners and the state’s prosecution. This is what “empowering our clients with knowledge” is all about….

[I am] forever grateful for their services.

-John Anthony Cole, initially charged with First Degree Premeditated Murder, subsequently reduced to Second Degree Homicide with the assistance of Analytic Investigations. For the full testimonial, click here.

The one good thing that they did was recommend you.

-Inmate to Deborah Stonebarger, commenting on an attorney with whom they were dissatisfied. (Name withheld upon request).

I have known Deb Stonebarger for a number of years and have found her to be diligent, intelligent and logical with a strong work ethic. She has years of experience testifying and knows the ins and outs of the court system and what is required to help prove your case.

Anonymous Colleague