Briefnow
Mar 08, 2026

A Chilling Nighttime Discovery: Partial Remains Found Near Savannah’s Mother’s Home — The DNA Results Were Absolutely Devastating.

In a dramatic twist amid the high-profile disappearance of Nancy Guthrie—the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie—a recent discovery near the family home initially sparked fears of the worst.

Law enforcement sources close to the investigation have now confirmed that a partial human remain found in proximity to Nancy’s Tucson-area residence was not connected to her.

When Savannah was informed and shown the preliminary DNA results, she reportedly fainted—not from devastation, but from overwhelming joy and relief that the grim find did not belong to her beloved mother.

The incident unfolded late last week as Pima County Sheriff’s deputies continued their intensive search for Nancy, who vanished from her Catalina Foothills home on January 31, 2026.

Authorities had already designated the property a crime scene after discovering signs of forced entry, blood traces (confirmed via DNA to be Nancy’s), cut security camera feeds, and other indicators suggesting an abduction rather than a voluntary departure.

Nancy, who relies on daily medications for heart and mobility issues, was believed to be in grave danger if not located quickly.

Then came the chilling report: a severed body part was located during a sweep of nearby wooded areas and drainage zones, just a short distance from the Guthrie family property. The grim find triggered an immediate rush to process it for identification. Savannah, who has been vocal about her family’s anguish while maintaining composure in public appeals, was kept in the loop by investigators as a priority family member.

According to multiple sources briefed on the matter, Savannah was brought to a secure location to receive the update in person.

“She was visibly anxious—everyone was bracing for catastrophic news,” one insider described. “When the DNA analyst explained that the genetic profile did not match Nancy’s reference samples, and in fact pointed to an unrelated cold-case or unrelated incident, Savannah’s knees buckled.

She collapsed right there from sheer emotional release. Paramedics were called, but she recovered quickly once it sank in that her mom was still potentially out there alive.”

The faint was brief but telling. Savannah reportedly came to moments later, tears streaming, repeating variations of “Thank God, thank God it’s not her.”

Family members and close friends say the moment marked one of the few instances of unfiltered hope in what has otherwise been weeks of torment.

Savannah has since returned to making measured public statements, including renewed calls for tips and any proof-of-life from whoever may be holding her mother.

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