A foul odor near a metal container close to Savannah Guthrie’s mother’s home sparked fear during the investigation. Police dogs alerted officers, raising concerns about a possible tragic discovery.
But after investigators searched the area, officials determined the smell was not linked to violence or foul play. Experts later traced a similar odor inside the home to an unused bathroom drain, where stagnant plumbing allowed sewer gases to rise.
While the discovery brought some relief, investigators say the findings may still help establish an important timeline — specifically, when normal activity inside the house may have stopped.
The case remains active, and many questions are still unanswered.