Police Identify Body Found In Phoenix Amid Ongoing Nancy Guthrie Search
Authorities in Arizona have identified the body of a woman discovered near a canal in Phoenix, confirming it is not the missing mother of television personality Savannah Guthrie. The remains, found Friday roughly 100 miles from Tucson, initially raised fears they could be linked to the high-profile kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.
Officials have now confirmed the victim is Alex Fleming, a 42-year-old woman. According to local outlet KTAR, Fleming’s body showed signs of trauma, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives with the Phoenix Police Department homicide unit have opened an investigation into her death.
The disturbing discovery briefly prompted speculation about a connection to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. However, the Pima County Sheriff's Department — which is leading the ongoing search for the elderly Tucson resident — said it has received no information suggesting the two cases are related.
Nancy Guthrie has not been seen or heard from since authorities believe she was abducted from her Tucson home during the early morning hours of February 1. More than five weeks later, investigators still have not identified a suspect, despite receiving tens of thousands of tips, reviewing doorbell footage showing a masked individual on her front porch, and working alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The slow progress of the case has been agonizing for Guthrie’s family and friends. In hopes of generating new leads, loved ones have offered a $1 million reward for information that leads to her safe return or the recovery of her remains.
Investigators have gathered substantial evidence from Guthrie’s residence, including traces of blood. Yet authorities caution that processing the material could take significant time. Chris Nanos, sheriff of Pima County, warned that analyzing all collected evidence — particularly items containing DNA — could take as long as a year.
As part of the expanding investigation, detectives are also examining a damaged utility box located near Guthrie’s home. During the early stages of the probe, several individuals were briefly detained for questioning but released within hours. Each denied any involvement in the kidnapping.
Authorities have also reviewed a series of alleged ransom messages believed to have been sent by the kidnappers demanding millions of dollars. Each supposed deadline passed without results, leaving investigators with more questions than answers.
Despite the uncertainty, the case remains a major priority. Roughly 300 to 400 personnel remain assigned to the investigation — the same level of resources deployed when the case first began. Sheriff Nanos recently said investigators “are definitely closer” to solving the mystery.
Meanwhile, federal and local agents are pursuing a new line of inquiry involving possible technological interference the night Guthrie disappeared. According to reporting from NBC News, investigators canvassed homes in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills neighborhood to ask residents whether they experienced internet disruptions around the time of the abduction.
Agents reportedly went door-to-door asking homeowners whether they noticed connectivity problems overnight during the timeframe when Guthrie vanished. Several residents told NBC News investigators specifically asked about glitches affecting home internet service.
According to those neighbors, agents said multiple homes in the area reported connectivity issues during the same timeframe, prompting speculation that the suspect may have attempted to disrupt security cameras or home networks during the kidnapping. Authorities have not confirmed that theory.
Investigators also asked some residents whether they had video footage from January 11, though officials have not explained why that particular date may be relevant.
Most homeowners told reporters they were asleep or away from home during the period investigators believe the abduction occurred, making it difficult for them to confirm whether their internet service had been affected.
However, one couple living next door to Guthrie’s property described a troubling technical anomaly. They said their home is equipped with four Ring security cameras positioned around the property. When they later attempted to review footage from the overnight hours when Guthrie vanished, the camera facing Guthrie’s house displayed a message reading “not available.”
The couple said their other cameras — located farther from the neighbor’s property — recorded normally. They also noted they had never previously seen that error message, calling the timing deeply suspicious.
For now, investigators continue pursuing every possible lead as the search for Nancy Guthrie stretches into its second month.