Nancy Guthrie has been missing for over six months, and there was some hope that human bones found in the Arizona desert about 15 miles from her Tucson home might bring some hope for Savannah Guthrie and her family. But authorities say there is currently no indication the remains belong to her.
Missing Timeline
CNN reminded readers that Guthrie has been missing since early February this year. The latest discovery doesn’t bring answers to the case. It doesn’t point to who took her, and unfortunately, it doesn’t bring any clarity to where she might be.
It’s been a frustrating case because DNA results were disappointing, the ransom notes still haven’t identified anyone connected to the abduction of the 84-year-old, and it appears to true crime followers that very little progress is being made in the investigation.
New Desert Discovery
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reported on the bones found near West Ajo Way and South La Cholla Boulevard. In a statement on X, Sheriff Nanos noted that:
The remains appear to have been at the location for an extended period of time…At this time, there is no indication they are connected to the Nancy Guthrie investigation.
The statement stopped short of fully excluding a connection. However, TMZ subsequently reported that deputies at the scene said the remains were “definitively not Nancy Guthrie.”
Forensic Factors Considered
In the TMZ report, the outlet also discussed that the bones were “bleached white.” The outlet explained that “ultraviolet rays” from the sun can help break down the “organic components” of exposed bones.
Former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer spoke with Newsweek about how ruling Nancy out could happen so quickly without a DNA test.
She said, “This could be due to the clothing/shoes found near the remains, pelvis size, femur length, or other obvious indication that the remains are not that of an elderly female.”
Previous Bones Discovered In The Area
This wasn’t the first time bones found in Arizona were potentially related to Nancy Guthrie. 12 News reported in early May that “investigators found bones in a wash not too far from Nancy Guthrie’s home.”
They were discovered between five and seven miles away from her home.
Back then, the outlet noted that after police and anthropological experts checked them out, analysis “determined they are prehistoric human bones, and they do not belong to Nancy Guthrie.” They were determined to date from about 750 years ago.
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