Human Remains Discovered Near Site Linked to Missing NBC Host’s Mother

Search and rescue deputies from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department responded to a desert location near West Ajo Way and South La Cholla Boulevard in Arizona, about 15 miles from the home of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. Human remains were found at the site, and officials said there is no indication “at this time” that the remains are connected to the ongoing investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance.

CNN

Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC “Today” host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on January 31 and vanished from her Tucson-area residence on February 1. She is believed to have been kidnapped from her Catalina Foothills home, taken without her phone or critical medications. In July, authorities released a ransom note and a follow-up letter addressed to the family that claimed she had died, hoping the documents would generate new leads. Investigators continue to run laboratory analyses on DNA collected from Guthrie’s house. Savannah Guthrie has repeatedly appealed for information on social media and, together with her family, has pledged a $1 million reward for intelligence that could lead to her mother’s recovery.

CNN

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that deputies are on scene and that the investigation remains open. A source familiar with the case said investigators have no leading theory about a motive for the kidnapping. Law-enforcement officials emphasized that the DNA work is ongoing and that any potential link between the newly discovered remains and the missing-person case will be evaluated as forensic results become available.

CNN

• Distance from Guthrie’s home to the discovery site: roughly 15 miles.

CNN

• Age of the missing person: 84 years.

CNN

• Reward offered: $1 million.

CNN

• Time elapsed since disappearance: more than six months at the time the ransom note was released.

CNN

Authorities will continue forensic testing of the remains and the DNA evidence from Guthrie’s residence. The sheriff’s department has asked the public to report any information that could assist the investigation, maintaining the $1 million reward as an incentive for credible tips.

CNN