Authorities in Pima County issued a warning about a kidnapping suspect wanted in connection with a violent incident that occurred less than seven miles from where Nancy Guthrie disappeared earlier this year. Coral Michelle Smith, 40, is being sought for her alleged involvement in a kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon that took place on May 29. The incident happened at the intersection of River Road and La Cholla Boulevard, approximately 6.8 miles from Guthrie’s residence in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson. The sheriff’s department released a “be on the lookout” alert over the weekend but declined to provide additional details about the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime.
Investigators have not indicated any connection between Smith and the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie. However, the proximity of the two cases has raised concerns among residents in the affluent Tucson neighborhood. The department overseeing both investigations continues to search for answers in Guthrie’s February 1 disappearance while simultaneously pursuing Smith for the separate kidnapping case.
Suspect has extensive criminal history dating back over a decade
Court records reveal that Smith has faced multiple criminal charges throughout the past 14 years. Her rap sheet includes previous accusations of kidnapping, assault, and disorderly conduct. In 2020, Smith was charged with kidnapping, but that charge was ultimately dismissed. She was, however, convicted of residential robbery in the same case involving a victim under 15 years of age. Smith has served multiple prison sentences and is known to use several aliases, including “Corral Albright” and “Under the Sea Smith.”
Law enforcement officials describe Smith as standing approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing around 136 pounds. She has blonde hair and blue eyes. Authorities noted several distinguishing tattoos that may help identify her, including a smiley face and heart on her right ankle, a rose with flames on her right foot, and the phrase “love, life family” on her left leg. The wanted person flyer does not mention any wrist tattoos, a detail that some legal analysts following the case have pointed out as potentially significant.
Physical description differs from person captured on Guthrie doorbell camera
While no suspects have been publicly identified in the Guthrie case, authorities previously described a person who appeared on her front doorstep in Nest camera footage as being of average height and build. The individual was estimated to be between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, notably taller than Smith. The person captured on Guthrie’s doorbell camera was wearing a black 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack.
Some analysts examining the footage have speculated that the person on Guthrie’s porch may be female. However, even if that assessment were accurate, Smith’s shorter stature would make her an unlikely match. California attorney Josh Ritter, who has been following the case closely, noted the absence of information about wrist tattoos in Smith’s wanted person flyer, a detail he considers potentially relevant given the scrutiny of video evidence in the Guthrie investigation.
Authorities offer reward for information leading to arrest
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is urging anyone who sees Smith to call 911 immediately. The department emphasized that she should be considered dangerous given the nature of the charges against her. For those who wish to provide information anonymously, Tucson’s 88-Crime hotline is available at 1-520-882-7463. Authorities have announced a $1,000 reward for information that leads directly to Smith’s arrest.
- Smith is wanted for kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- The incident occurred on May 29 at River Road and La Cholla Boulevard
- She has multiple aliases and a criminal history spanning over a decade
- A $1,000 reward is offered for information leading to her arrest
- No connection has been established between Smith and the Guthrie case
Investigation into Guthrie disappearance continues without public suspects
The Guthrie family continues to seek information about Nancy’s abduction and has asked anyone with relevant details to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI. Deputies detained multiple individuals during the early stages of the investigation into her disappearance, but all were subsequently released without charges. No arrests have been made in the case, and authorities have not publicly named any suspects or persons of interest.
Savannah Guthrie returned to the “Today” show in April after taking just over two months off during the initial phase of the investigation. She discussed her mother’s case with colleague Jenna Bush Hager on Monday, acknowledging the difficulty of resuming her professional duties. The local sheriff has previously warned that the person responsible for Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance could “absolutely” strike again, though officials have been careful not to release specific details about potential motives that might compromise the ongoing investigation.
Two separate cases highlight safety concerns in Tucson area
The emergence of two serious kidnapping cases in the same geographic area within months of each other has heightened awareness among Tucson residents. While authorities stress that no evidence links the two incidents, the proximity of the crimes has prompted increased vigilance in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood and surrounding communities. Law enforcement officials continue to work both cases independently while maintaining awareness of any potential connections that might emerge as investigations progress.
The sheriff’s department has not released information about whether additional patrols have been deployed to the area or whether residents should take special precautions. The focus remains on locating Smith and gathering information that could lead to resolution in the Guthrie case. Both investigations represent active efforts by local law enforcement to address violent crime and ensure community safety in the greater Tucson metropolitan area.
