Authorities say the lead remains unverified as investigators continue reviewing evidence in the four-month-old case.
TUCSON, Ariz. — Search teams in northern Mexico conducted a new effort to locate Nancy Guthrie after anonymous messages claimed the missing Arizona woman was buried near Nogales, Sonora. The search ended without a confirmed discovery, leaving investigators pursuing another lead in a case that has remained unresolved since February.
Authorities and volunteer search organizations say the latest development has renewed attention on the disappearance of the 84-year-old Catalina Foothills resident. Investigators continue to examine tips, forensic evidence and witness information while coordinating with agencies on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Although the search expanded the geographic scope of the investigation, officials stressed that no remains identified as Guthrie have been found and no suspect has been publicly named.
The newest search began after Buscando Corazones Nogales, a volunteer organization that assists in searches for missing people and clandestine graves in Sonora, received an anonymous message identifying a possible burial site west of Nogales. According to the group, the message directed searchers to the Mariposa area near a stream in rugged terrain close to the international border. Volunteers traveled to the location and conducted field searches with personnel familiar with the area. Ramona Guadalupe Ayala Ortiz, who leads the organization, said the tip pointed to a location where hidden graves had been discovered during previous operations. Searchers spent hours examining the area but did not announce any findings connected to Guthrie. A second anonymous message later repeated the allegation, prompting renewed scrutiny from volunteers and authorities evaluating the information.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said investigators were aware of reports emerging from Sonora but had not received confirmation that any discovery had been made. Sheriff Chris Nanos said detectives continue to evaluate incoming information while forensic testing remains underway. “We are not going to arrest the wrong person,” Nanos said while discussing the investigation. Authorities have not announced any arrests or identified a suspect. Investigators also have not disclosed whether the Mexico messages are connected to previous reports suggesting Guthrie may have been transported across the border. The FBI remains involved in the case, which authorities have described as both a missing-person investigation and a possible kidnapping. Officials have repeatedly noted that numerous tips have been received over the past several months, though none has produced a public breakthrough.
Guthrie disappeared Feb. 1 after relatives and associates became concerned when they could not contact her. She lived alone in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson. Investigators later reported signs of a struggle inside her home and said blood was found at the scene. Authorities have not publicly identified whose blood was recovered or released detailed forensic findings. Doorbell camera footage released during the investigation showed a masked individual near the property. Investigators said the person appeared to be wearing gloves, carrying a backpack and attempting to interfere with the camera system. Based on the evidence collected at the residence, officials concluded early in the case that Guthrie likely did not leave voluntarily. Search efforts initially focused on Tucson and surrounding desert areas before extending into parts of Sonora as new information emerged.
The investigation has attracted national attention because Guthrie is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s “Today.” Authorities have repeatedly stated that family members are not considered suspects. One widely discussed development occurred in May when a human bone was discovered several miles from Guthrie’s residence. Subsequent analysis determined the bone was unrelated to the disappearance and instead originated from a prehistoric anthropological context. Investigators said the finding highlighted the difficulties of conducting searches in remote desert terrain, where clues can prove misleading until scientific testing is completed. The case has generated extensive public interest, resulting in numerous tips and continued media coverage throughout Arizona and beyond.
Investigators continue to work through forensic examinations, witness interviews and tip verification while coordinating with law enforcement agencies in both the United States and Mexico. The FBI previously increased its reward offer, and the Guthrie family later announced a $1 million reward for information leading to her recovery or to the arrest of those responsible. Despite the reward and months of investigative work, authorities have not filed charges or identified a public person of interest. Officials say the latest Mexico lead will remain under review while detectives compare details from the anonymous messages with existing evidence and the established timeline of events. No timetable has been announced for additional laboratory results or future public updates.
Volunteers involved in the Sonora search described the area as difficult terrain marked by washes, brush and rough roads. Search groups operating near the border routinely investigate reports of clandestine graves because families of missing people frequently seek answers in isolated locations. Participants said each tip must be carefully evaluated before any conclusions can be drawn. Family members have continued to speak publicly about the case while avoiding speculation. Savannah Guthrie has expressed hope that answers will eventually emerge and emphasized the family’s desire to learn what happened. Volunteer organizations in Sonora say they will continue reviewing information they receive and may revisit locations if conditions and available resources permit additional searches.
As of June 15, authorities had not located Nancy Guthrie, identified a suspect or announced an arrest. Investigators say the next developments will depend on further searches, forensic testing and whether evidence emerges to support or disprove the anonymous tip from Mexico.
Author note: Last updated June 15, 2026.