A body found in a Phoenix canal has been identified as 42-year-old Alex Fleming, not missing Nancy Guthrie, as sheriff gives three-word update on the search
Sheriff Chris Nanos has been leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance (Image: NBC)
The body of a woman discovered in a canal has been identified – and it is not missing Nancy Guthrie.
A woman was found deceased in a Phoenix, Arizona canal on Saturday, March 7. Officers were called to the vicinity of 27th Place and Grand Canal Trail at around 7.40 a. m. and subsequently issued a statement amid a shock twist with cadaver dogs and an alarming new theory.
The statement read: “Details on the call indicated that an adult female was on the nearby canal bank and was unresponsive. When officers arrived, they located the woman, who was ultimately pronounced deceased on scene.”
Speculation immediately arose that the body might be that of Nancy, who has been missing since February 1. It comes after a mystery man who ‘saw Nancy five days ago’ has offered chilling new proof.
Nevertheless, the body has now been confirmed as that of 42-year-old Alex Fleming.
A homicide inquiry is in progress, with authorities stating the body displayed “signs of trauma,” according to ABC 15 Arizona.
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since February 1 (Image: Instagram)
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Phoenix police or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO. Anonymous tips may also be provided through the Silent Witness website.
The remains were discovered more than 100 miles from Nancy’s residence in Tucson, Arizona. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the body is unconnected to the investigation into Nancy’s disappearance.
They informed TMZ they have “not been notified of any connection reference that case to the Nancy Guthrie case.”
The sheriff refrained from discussing particular evidence about whether he thought she might still be alive (Image: AP)
Following the identification of the body discovered in the lake, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided a brief update regarding the search for Nancy.
The sheriff refrained from discussing particular evidence about whether he thought she might still be alive, but he told Fox News reporter Michael Ruiz, “Anything is possible.”
Nancy was last observed at her residence on January 31 following dinner with her daughter, Annie Guthrie. Her family filed a missing person report on February 1 after she didn’t show up for a scheduled virtual church service with friends.
The FBI has joined forces with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in an effort to determine what happened to the 84 year old. As the probe continues, authorities have eliminated certain avenues of investigation.
Investigators were observed examining a damaged utility box discovered up the street from Nancy’s residence in Tucson, Arizona. However, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has since stated that investigators have eliminated a connection between this and Nancy’s kidnapping.
The most significant lead in the probe remains the footage captured from Nancy’s doorbell camera, which shows a masked intruder at her doorstep. The video was recorded on the morning of her disappearance.
