Nancy Guthrie case: ‘Frankenstein bride’-tattooed Arizona woman wanted for armed kidnapping near missing grandmother’s home is not linked to case, police say

Coral Michelle Smith, an Arizona woman wanted in connection with an armed kidnapping and aggravated assault case, has become the subject of intense online speculation after her wanted notice surfaced near the area where the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie disappeared. But authorities have now made one thing clear: Coral Michelle Smith is not connected to the high-profile Nancy Guthrie's missing investigation.

The New York Post, citing police, confirmed on Tuesday, June 9, that Coral Michelle Smith, 40, is not connected to the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. Smith is wanted in connection with a May 29 kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or instrument.

According to officials, the alleged kidnapping took place about seven miles from Guthrie's Tucson-area home. The close proximity, along with the limited details initially released by investigators, sparked widespread rumors that the two cases could be linked.


However, law enforcement officials dismissed those claims, telling the outlet that “this case is not related to the Guthrie investigation.”

Who is Coral Michelle Smith?

Coral Michelle Smith is a 40-year-old Arizona woman who is currently wanted by authorities in connection with a May 29 kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon or instrument. According to a wanted notice issued by the Pima County Attorney's Office and According to Crime Stoppers, Smith is described as having blond hair and blue eyes, standing 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighing approximately 135 pounds.

As per 88crime, the platform that takes anonymous tips on criminal activities, she can also be identified by several distinctive tattoos, including a "DJ" smiley face and a heart with the name "Coral" on her right ankle, "Whitecurl" across her chest, "Frankenstein bride" and "Life love family" tattoos on her left leg, and a rose and flames design on her right foot. Authorities have clarified that, despite online speculation, Smith is not connected to the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.

While officials have ruled out any link between Smith and the Guthrie case, the search for the missing Arizona grandmother continues. Nancy Guthrie disappeared on February 1, and investigators have said she was taken against her will. The Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI continue to investigate the case. This also came at a time when three YouTubers covering Nancy Guthrie's disappearance from her neighborhood were arrested.

Security footage showing a masked man at the Guthrie home has been released publicly, drawing nationwide attention. Investigators have repeatedly said they are continuing to pursue leads and maintain that the investigation remains active. Today show host Savannah Guthrie has announced a $1 million reward for information leading to the whereabouts of her missing mother.