A human bone has been discovered near the home of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, but authorities have confirmed it is not connected to her disappearance.
Why it matters: The case of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, remains unsolved, with the discovery of the bone adding complexity to an already challenging investigation.
- A human bone was found on May 7, 2026, near North Craycroft Road and East River Road, about 7 miles from Nancy Guthrie's Tucson home.
- The bone is part of a prehistoric anthropological investigation and is not linked to the criminal case surrounding Nancy's disappearance.
- The Pima County Sheriff’s Office stated that the University of Arizona's Anthropology Department and the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner assisted in the investigation.
- Authorities believe Nancy was kidnapped from her home on February 1, 2026, after being last seen on January 31.
Driving the news: The search for Nancy Guthrie has intensified since she was reported missing, with investigators facing numerous challenges.
- Blood drops found at her front door were confirmed to belong to Nancy, alongside mixed DNA evidence still being tested.
- Surveillance footage released by the FBI shows a masked suspect tampering with Nancy's doorbell camera on February 1.
- No suspects have been identified or arrests made since her disappearance, complicating the investigation.
State of play: The investigation has faced criticism and scrutiny as it approaches the 100-day mark without substantial progress.
- Two Pima County Supervisors have called for Sheriff Chris Nanos to resign, citing dissatisfaction with his handling of the case.
- Retired lieutenant Dave Smith highlighted the difficulties posed by Arizona's desert terrain, which complicates evidence collection.
- Smith theorizes that Nancy may have been taken to Mexico, pointing to the suspect's behavior and the proximity of her neighborhood to the border.
The big picture: As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, and the Guthrie family seeks answers.
- A reward of $1 million has been offered by Savannah Guthrie and her family for information leading to Nancy's recovery.
- Investigators are utilizing advanced technology to analyze DNA samples collected from the scene, which may provide key insights.
- The FBI has been involved in the case, but tensions have arisen between local law enforcement and federal agencies over the investigation's direction.
What they're saying: The case has drawn attention from various media outlets and public figures, raising questions about the investigation's transparency.
- True crime podcaster Zack Peter publicly questioned why Savannah Guthrie has not engaged with journalists covering the case, including Brian Entin.
- Peter criticized the family's approach to the media, claiming they have shifted from urgent public pleas to more controlled narratives.
- Former CIA officer and FBI agent Tracy Walder emphasized the importance of DNA evidence in the case, noting that it could help identify potential suspects.
By the numbers: The timeline of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance highlights the urgency and complexity of the investigation.
- Nancy was reported missing on February 1, 2026, after failing to appear at a friend's virtual church service.
- The bone discovery occurred over three months later, as the search for Nancy continues without major breakthroughs.
- A $100,000 reward has been offered by the FBI for information leading to Nancy's recovery or the arrest of a suspect.
Between the lines: The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has revealed both challenges and potential leads.
- Evidence collected from the scene, including blood and mixed DNA, is still being analyzed, but the process is slow and complicated.
- The FBI is working with local authorities to piece together the timeline of events leading up to Nancy's disappearance.
- Investigators are hopeful that advancements in forensic technology will yield new insights into the case.
What's next: As the investigation continues, the community remains vigilant and hopeful for answers.
- Pima County officials are under pressure to improve the investigation's transparency and effectiveness.
- The FBI's involvement may expand as more evidence comes to light, particularly concerning the DNA analysis.
- The search for Nancy remains active, with community members encouraged to report any information that could assist investigators.
Authorities urge anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie's disappearance to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff's Department at 520-351-4900.