Authorities in Arizona have now identified the woman whose body was discovered near a canal in Phoenix, confirming that the victim is 42-year-old Alex Fleming-not Nancy Guthrie, whose disappearance in Tucson continues to draw national attention.
The clarification comes days after speculation circulated online that the body found near the Grand Canal Trail might be connected to the ongoing search for Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie. However, investigators say there is no evidence linking the two cases.
According to the Phoenix Police Department, officers responded to a report of "unknown trouble" near 28th and Oak streets at around 7:40 a.m. on March 6. When authorities arrived, they found an unresponsive woman on the canal bank. The Phoenix Fire Department pronounced her dead at the scene.
Police later identified the victim as Alex Fleming, a 42-year-old Phoenix resident. Officials also noted that her body showed signs of trauma, leading detectives to launch a homicide investigation.
Investigators have since been canvassing the area and reviewing nearby surveillance footage in hopes of finding clues about what happened. Fleming's remains have been transferred to the Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner, where an autopsy will determine the official cause of death.
The discovery initially drew widespread attention because it occurred while authorities continue searching for Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing from her Tucson home on February 1. Tucson is located more than 100 miles south of Phoenix, and officials say there is currently no indication that the two cases are connected.
The search for Guthrie remains active. Investigators with the Pima County Sheriff's Department and federal authorities are continuing to follow leads in the case, which has generated thousands of tips from the public.
Meanwhile, Phoenix police are asking anyone who may have information about Alex Fleming's death to contact the Phoenix Police Department at 602-262-6151. Those wishing to remain anonymous can also reach Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377).
As both investigations move forward, authorities are urging the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators time to determine the facts.
Related: Woman's Body Found Near Phoenix Canal, Police Say No Link Confirmed
