Human remains have been discovered in a remote desert area about 15 miles from the home of Nancy Guthrie, whose disappearance has triggered an ongoing investigation in Arizona. However, the Pima County Sheriff's Department has said there is currently no indication that the bones belong to Guthrie, according to the information provided.
Bones found in remote desert area
Law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation said the remains were found in a “very remote” part of the desert. The location is reportedly difficult to reach and can only be accessed after a long hike.
The discovery came as authorities continue to search for answers in the disappearance of Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie.
A source told TMZ, "Our boots on the ground say the bones are definitely not Nancy Guthrie."
The remains were described as “bleached white bones,” suggesting they had been exposed to the desert environment for an extended period. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays can break down organic material in bones, causing them to lose their natural colour and become white.
No link to Nancy Guthrie so far
The discovery has not provided authorities with a breakthrough in the search for Guthrie. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has not indicated that the remains are connected to her disappearance.
Guthrie went missing from her home outside Tucson on February 1. Investigators have yet to announce an arrest or identify the person responsible for her disappearance.
Authorities have also not publicly confirmed whether Guthrie is alive.
Ransom notes released by authorities
Investigators recently released details from two ransom notes as they continued their efforts to identify the person behind the disappearance.
The first note was sent to a Tucson television station on February 2, one day after Guthrie disappeared. It claimed that Guthrie was safe but frightened and demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency for her release.
The note also warned that the ransom would increase if the demand was not met. It said Guthrie would be released within 12 hours after the payment was received and threatened her life if the money was not paid.
"Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands,” the first note read. “It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible.”
Second note claimed Guthrie had died
A second note sent to the family contained a far more disturbing message. It claimed that Guthrie had died shortly after being taken.
“She is buried in nature now,” the second note said. “Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome.”
The note ended with an apology: “We are truly sorry.”
Authorities have not independently confirmed the claim made in the second note.
Sheriff seeks help identifying writer
The Pima County Sheriff's Department released the notes in the hope that someone familiar with the writer might recognise distinctive features in the language.
The department said “we believe these distinctive linguistic characteristics may be recognizable to someone who knows or has interacted with the notes’ writer.”
For now, the discovery of the desert remains has not changed the official position on Guthrie's whereabouts. Investigators continue to look for information that could help determine what happened to her and identify those responsible for her disappearance.
