Human Remains Found 15 Miles From Nancy Guthrie’s Home Not Linked to Case, Sheriff Says

Authorities discovered human remains in a desert area roughly 15 miles from Nancy Guthrie's home on Monday, but investigators say there is currently no evidence connecting the discovery to her kidnapping case. The Pima County Sheriff's Department said the remains appeared to have been at the location for an extended period and that, at this stage, nothing ties them to the Guthrie investigation.

The discovery comes more than six months after Guthrie vanished from her home outside Tucson at the beginning of February. Her case has drawn national attention in part because of her daughter, "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, who has repeatedly used her platform to appeal directly to whoever is responsible for her mother's disappearance. The family has publicly urged those responsible to release Nancy Guthrie and has continued asking for information that could lead investigators to her.

Late last month, the Pima County Sheriff's Department released the contents of two ransom notes that had been sent to media outlets in the days following the kidnapping. The individual claiming responsibility for taking Guthrie wrote in the second note that she had died shortly after being abducted and was buried somewhere in a natural setting. Authorities have not confirmed the claim.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed the investigation just days before Monday's discovery. Speaking to "Today" for a segment marking six months since Guthrie's disappearance, Nanos said his department was still working through forensic material, including DNA evidence and video footage. He also expressed confidence that investigators would ultimately resolve the case.

The reward for information leading to Guthrie's recovery has grown substantially since her disappearance. Savannah Guthrie has offered $1 million for information that helps bring her mother home, separate from the $100,000 reward previously announced by the FBI for information leading to a resolution of the case.

Monday's discovery initially drew attention because of its proximity to Guthrie's residence and the continued uncertainty surrounding her whereabouts. Investigators moved quickly to clarify that the remains appeared to have been at the desert location for an extended period and that there is currently no indication they are connected to the Guthrie investigation. The sheriff's department has not released further details about the identity of the remains or how long they may have been at the site.

The investigation into Guthrie's disappearance remains open as authorities continue reviewing evidence and seeking information about who took her and what happened after she disappeared from her home.