Arizona authorities are actively searching for a career criminal wanted in connection with a kidnapping that occurred near the home of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has identified the suspect as Coral Michelle Smith, 40, who is wanted for her alleged involvement in a kidnapping and assault with a deadly weapon that took place on May 29.
Details of the Incident
The alleged kidnapping occurred approximately 11 kilometers from Nancy Guthrie's residence in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson. Authorities have not indicated any connection between this case and the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. The sheriff's department released a wanted poster for Smith on Facebook last Thursday, offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to her arrest.
Suspect's Criminal History
Court records reveal that Smith has a lengthy rap sheet, including previous accusations of kidnapping, assault, and disorderly conduct. According to Fox News, a 2020 kidnapping charge involving a 15-year-old was dismissed, but she was convicted of residential robbery in the same case. Smith has been jailed four times, as per records obtained by KOLD News 13. She is described as 5-foot-6, 136 pounds, with blond hair and blue eyes.
Background on the Nancy Guthrie Investigation
Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared in the early hours of February 1. Authorities believe she was abducted by a masked man captured on a doorbell camera at her doorstep. The FBI reported that the man was seen wearing a black Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack and appeared to be between 5-foot-9 and 5-foot-10. The investigation remains active, with police and the FBI continuing their search.
Smith's alleged crime adds another layer of concern to the Tucson community, though no direct link to the Guthrie case has been established. The sheriff's department urges anyone with information to come forward.
