Arizona woman wanted for armed kidnapping near Nancy Guthrie's home not linked to her case: Police

TUCSON, ARIZONA: Investigators have confirmed that a woman wanted in a kidnapping case near Tucson is not connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old, who vanished from her home in February.

The clarification came after public speculation grew following the release of a wanted alert for Coral Michelle Smith, whose alleged crime occurred less than seven miles from Guthrie’s residence. Authorities said the two investigations are unrelated. The search for Guthrie remains ongoing more than four months after her disappearance.

Police dismiss connection between cases

The Pima County Sheriff's Department recently issued a wanted notice for Coral Michelle Smith, 40, in connection with a May 29 kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon investigation near the intersection of River Road and La Cholla Boulevard in Tucson.

As the alleged incident occurred close to the Catalina Foothills neighborhood where Guthrie disappeared on February 1, speculation emerged online that Smith could be connected to the high-profile missing persons case. However, investigators have said that "this case is not related to the Guthrie investigation."

Authorities have not released additional details about the May 29 incident but continue to seek Smith, who is described as approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighing about 136 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes. 

Court records show Smith has an extensive criminal history spanning more than a decade. Authorities said she has previously faced allegations involving kidnapping, assault and disorderly conduct. In one notable case from 2020, a kidnapping charge was dismissed, but Smith was later convicted of residential robbery connected to the same incident. 

Despite the attention generated by the wanted alert, investigators emphasized that no evidence has emerged linking Smith to Guthrie’s disappearance.

Search for Nancy Guthrie continues as authorities crack down on streamers

The clarification comes as the search for Guthrie remains unresolved more than four months after she was abducted from her Tucson-area home.

Guthrie, whose daughter is NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reportedly suffering from a heart condition when she disappeared, heightening concerns among family members about her well-being.

Authorities have released surveillance footage showing a masked individual entering her home during the early morning hours of February 1, but no arrests have been announced.

In recent months, the neighborhood surrounding Guthrie’s home has become a destination for online content creators and livestreamers covering the case. According to authorities, the activity generated numerous complaints from residents.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos recently announced a crackdown on individuals lingering in the area after deputies received reports of disruptive behavior. Three men, Alexander Zabel, Todd Enderle and Troy Lewis Bradshaw, were arrested on Monday, June 8, and face charges including public nuisance and obstructing a thoroughfare.

Authorities said enforcement efforts will continue while the investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance remains active.