Man Detained in Nancy Guthrie Case Released After Questioning
In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, authorities have released a man who was detained for questioning. The individual, who identified himself as Carlos Palazuelos, was held following a traffic stop in Rio Rico, Arizona, approximately one hour from the Tucson-area home from which Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, 2026.
Detention and Release Details
According to reports, Palazuelos was detained by the Pima County Sheriff's Department during a traffic stop on Tuesday evening. The sheriff's department confirmed that a subject had been detained and was being questioned in connection with the Nancy Guthrie investigation. However, by early Wednesday morning, the individual had been released after several hours of interrogation.
Carlos Palazuelos spoke to reporters from what he described as his wife and mother-in-law's home in Rio Rico, stating, "I hope they get the suspect, because I'm not it." He further claimed to have been unaware of the high-profile disappearance case prior to his detention.
Law Enforcement Actions and Search Operations
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos issued a statement confirming that deputies, in collaboration with the FBI, had conducted a court-authorized search related to the investigation in Rio Rico, a town situated near the Mexican border. While specific details about the search were not disclosed, authorities confirmed they had completed their examination of a property in the area.
Angelica Carrillo, a spokesperson for the sheriff's department, told media outlets that investigators had concluded their search of the Rio Rico property, though neither the FBI nor Pima County officials provided official confirmation of the individual's release by Wednesday morning.
New Evidence Released by FBI
The developments followed Tuesday's release by the FBI of previously inaccessible surveillance footage from Nancy Guthrie's residence. The bureau unveiled black-and-white photographs and a 44-second video captured by her doorbell camera on the morning of her disappearance, showing a masked individual wearing gloves and a backpack approaching her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson.
The images depict the person waving what appears to be a plant and beginning to dismantle the Nest camera installed at the residence. FBI Director Kash Patel announced the breakthrough on social media, stating, "Working with our partners, as of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera."
Investigation Challenges and Developments
Sheriff Nanos had previously expressed frustration about the pace of obtaining technological evidence in the case. As the search entered its second week, he commented, "I wish technology was as easy as we believe it is, that here's a picture, here's your bad guy. But it's not."
In a significant move to generate leads, the FBI announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's recovery or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. Detectives have conducted multiple searches of Guthrie's house, which was declared a crime scene early in the investigation, and the surrounding area. Surveillance footage has shown FBI agents examining a septic tank on the property.
Family Appeals and Case Complexities
Savannah Guthrie, who has hosted NBC's Today show since 2012, has made several emotional appeals on social media for her mother's safe return. She described sharing a special bond with her mother, particularly after her father's death during her teenage years. Nancy Guthrie reportedly has mobility issues and requires regular medication to maintain her health.
The case has grown increasingly complex with investigators discovering blood on the doorstep of the residence and examining several ransom notes reportedly demanding $6 million in cryptocurrency from the Guthrie family. Savannah Guthrie confirmed in one video message, "We will pay," though a deadline mentioned in one note passed without incident.
In a peculiar incident that complicated the investigation, reporters covering the story ordered pizza delivery to the crime scene address, prompting the Pima County Sheriff's Department to issue a public request for media to refrain from such actions that interfere with active investigations.
As of Sunday, authorities stated that no suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles had been formally identified in the case, which continues to draw national attention and public intrigue.
