Human remains discovered near the home of Nancy Guthrie, the missing mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie, prompted a police investigation, though authorities determined the bones were decades old and unrelated to her January disappearance.
Guthrie vanished on January 31 from her residence near Tucson, Arizona. The discovery of the remains in a wash less than five miles from her home reignited questions about the ongoing investigation into her disappearance.
Investigation and Law Enforcement Tensions
The case has drawn scrutiny from federal authorities over the handling of evidence and investigative procedures. FBI Director Kash Patel criticized local law enforcement’s response during an appearance on a media program, stating that the FBI was excluded from the investigation for several days after Guthrie went missing.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos disputed Patel’s characterization in a statement, asserting that an FBI Task Force member was present at the scene the night of the disappearance and that his department promptly notified federal agents. “The FBI was promptly notified by both our department and the Guthrie family,” Nanos said.
Evidence and Physical Findings
Blood discovered on Guthrie’s porch matched her DNA, but mixed samples collected inside her home have proven more difficult to analyze. Patel indicated that expedited FBI laboratory analysis could have yielded additional information about the evidence.
The most significant lead in the case has been doorbell camera footage that captured a masked individual outside Guthrie’s residence on the morning she disappeared.
The Bones Discovery
When the remains were found by a person conducting an independent search in the area, police sealed off the location for examination. Authorities quickly determined the bones were at least 50 years old, making them unrelated to Guthrie’s recent disappearance.
No arrests have been made in connection with Guthrie’s disappearance, and the investigation continues.
This story has been updated. CNN’s Digital Team contributed to this report.