Body Found Near Phoenix Canal Not Linked to Savannah Guthrie's Missing Mother

Police identify victim as 42-year-old Alex Fleming, unrelated to high-profile kidnapping case

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Authorities have identified the body of a woman found dead near a canal in Phoenix as 42-year-old Alex Fleming. The discovery briefly raised concerns that it could be related to the ongoing investigation into the kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who went missing from her Tucson home five weeks ago. However, the Pima County Sheriff's Department confirmed that the Phoenix case is unrelated to the Guthrie kidnapping.

Why it matters

The discovery of a woman's body near a Phoenix canal sparked speculation that it could be connected to the high-profile disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was kidnapped from her Tucson home over a month ago. While unrelated, the incident highlights the intense public interest and concern surrounding the Guthrie case, which has yet to be resolved.

The details

The remains of 42-year-old Alex Fleming were found on Friday near a canal in Phoenix, over 100 miles from where Nancy Guthrie was last seen. Fleming's body showed signs of trauma, and her death is being investigated by Phoenix homicide detectives. The Pima County Sheriff's Department, which is leading the search for Nancy Guthrie, confirmed that they had not been alerted to any connection between the two cases.

  • The remains of Alex Fleming were found on Friday, March 7, 2026.
  • Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from her Tucson home on February 1, 2026, five weeks prior to the discovery of Fleming's body.

The players

Alex Fleming

A 42-year-old woman whose body was found near a canal in Phoenix, unrelated to the Savannah Guthrie kidnapping case.

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show star Savannah Guthrie, who was kidnapped from her Tucson home five weeks ago.

Savannah Guthrie

The 'Today' show star whose 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, was kidnapped from her Tucson home five weeks ago.

Pima County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency leading the investigation into the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie.

Phoenix Homicide Detectives

The law enforcement officials investigating the death of Alex Fleming, whose body was found near a Phoenix canal.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

While the discovery of a woman's body near a Phoenix canal briefly raised concerns about the ongoing Savannah Guthrie kidnapping case, authorities have confirmed that the two incidents are unrelated. The Guthrie case remains unsolved, with no suspects identified over a month after her disappearance, underscoring the challenges law enforcement faces in high-profile missing persons investigations.