Human bones found near Tucson are not linked to missing Nancy Guthrie case, experts confirm

Authorities confirmed the bone to be human but classified the site as a prehistoric anthropological investigation

Human skeletal remains discovered near the Tucson home of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie have been confirmed as prehistoric and unrelated to the ongoing investigation into her disappearance, according to authorities and University of Arizona experts. 

The remains were found earlier this month by YouTuber AJ Wysopal while searching desert terrain near Guthrie’s neighbourhood in Arizona. The discovery immediately sparked speculation online because it was located roughly five miles from the home of the missing woman, who is the mother of NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. 

However, Tucson police quickly ruled out any connection to the high-profile missing persons case. Authorities confirmed the bone was human but classified the site as a prehistoric anthropological investigation rather than a criminal matter. The University of Arizona’s Anthropology Department and the Pima County Office of the Medical Examiner were brought in to assist with the assessment.

Anthropologist James T Watson later revealed that investigators uncovered a complete skeleton rather than isolated fragments. Based on ceramic artefacts recovered at the burial site, experts concluded the remains likely belonged to a Native American individual who lived centuries ago. Watson estimated the grave could be as much as 1,000 years old.

“The ceramics really sort of drove home that point,” Watson said while explaining how researchers identified the remains as part of a prehistoric Indigenous burial. The skeleton has since been transferred to the Tohono O’odham Nation for culturally appropriate handling and repatriation.

The discovery briefly reignited public attention surrounding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, who vanished after being dropped off at her Tucson property on January 31. She was reported missing after failing to attend church, and investigators later obtained surveillance footage showing a masked individual approaching her home.

Despite months of investigation, Guthrie’s whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities continue examining surveillance footage, DNA evidence and public tips connected to the case. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos recently said investigators are still making progress and remain focused on forensic evidence that could identify potential suspects.

The Guthrie family has continued to publicly appeal for information. Savannah Guthrie recently shared an emotional message on social media, saying her family would “never stop looking” for her mother. The reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery has reportedly surpassed $1 million.

While the archaeological discovery generated significant online speculation, officials have repeatedly stressed that the ancient remains are entirely unrelated to the active missing persons investigation.