Authorities Release Man Detained for Questioning in Nancy Guthrie Abduction Case

Law enforcement officials in Arizona released a man on Wednesday who had been detained for questioning in connection with the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. The individual, identified as Carlos Palazuelos, was taken into custody during a traffic stop in Rio Rico on Tuesday, hours after the FBI released surveillance footage showing an armed, masked figure at Guthrie’s Tucson home. Palazuelos, a delivery driver, maintained his innocence and stated that investigators questioned him about his whereabouts before releasing him without charges. Authorities also conducted a court-authorized search of a residence in Rio Rico, approximately 15 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border, which was cleared by Wednesday morning.

The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department recovered the surveillance footage from backend data systems with assistance from private sector partners. The video depicts a person wearing a mask, gloves, and a backpack approaching Guthrie’s front door on the morning of February 1. The individual is seen using vegetation to cover the camera lens and appears to be carrying a handgun in a holster. FBI Director Kash Patel stated that the agency is currently identifying multiple "persons of interest" and is working to eliminate individuals who may not be involved. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt noted that President Trump reviewed the footage and urged the public to provide any information to the FBI.

Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on January 31. Investigators established that her doorbell camera was disconnected at 01:47 on February 1, and her pacemaker application lost connection shortly thereafter. DNA testing previously confirmed that blood found on the home's porch belonged to Guthrie, who is described as being in frail health and requiring daily medication. The Guthrie family has issued several public appeals, including a recent message indicating they had received a communication and were prepared to pay for her safe return. Despite these appeals, FBI spokespeople stated earlier this week they were not aware of ongoing communication between the family and suspected kidnappers.