The body found in a Phoenix canal has been identified as 42-year-old Alex Fleming, the New York Post reports. The discovery was made during the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie. Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” star Savannah Guthrie, was kidnapped five weeks ago.
When and where was the body found?
The Phoenix Police Department said officers received a call about “unknown trouble” near 28th and Oak streets around 7:40 a.m. Friday.
When police arrived, they found an unconscious woman on the bank of the canal. this Phoenix The fire department later pronounced her dead at the scene. Authorities later identified the woman as Fleming, noting her body showed signs of trauma.
The remains were found more than 100 miles from Tucson, where Guthrie was reported missing.
Homicide detectives have taken over the investigation. Authorities said surveillance footage from the area near the Grand Canal Trail was investigated.
The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office is currently in custody of Fleming’s body and an autopsy is ongoing.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6151. Those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or, for Spanish speakers, call 480-TESTIGO (837-8446).
Also read: Nancy Guthrie update: Experts find chilling similarities to Idaho murders
Is this case related to the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case?
The gruesome discovery initially sparked speculation that the victim might be involved in the disappearance. Nancy Guthrie. However, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which is investigating Guthrie’s case, said it has not received any information indicating any connection between the two incidents.
Guthrie is believed to have been abducted from his home in the early hours of February 1. Investigators have not identified any suspects. Sheriff Chris Nanos said last week that authorities were “definitely closer” to finding her.
