Investigation Intensifies in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance
The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has seen significant developments in Arizona. Authorities are actively investigating her disappearance, which occurred from her home in Catalina Foothills, near Tucson, on February 1, 2026. Guthrie was last seen the evening of January 31, 2026, and was reported missing after failing to attend church the following morning. Law enforcement officials believe she was abducted against her will, with bloodstains confirmed to be hers found at her residence.
Person of Interest Questioned and Released
In a major turn, a man identified by news outlets as Carlos Palazuelos, a 27-year-old delivery driver, was detained for questioning on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. He was stopped during a traffic stop south of Tucson by the Pima County Sheriff's Department. After several hours of questioning, Palazuelos was released early Wednesday, February 11, 2026. He maintained his innocence, stating he had no knowledge of Nancy Guthrie or her disappearance. Authorities have not officially confirmed his identity or release.
Property Search Conducted in Rio Rico
Following the detention, a court-authorized search was carried out at a property in Rio Rico, Arizona, approximately 60 miles south of Tucson. This location was reportedly associated with the individual who was questioned. The search, conducted by the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI, concluded early Wednesday. Details regarding what, if anything, was found during the search have not been publicly disclosed.
Surveillance Footage and Public Appeals
The FBI released crucial surveillance images and videos on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, depicting a masked individual wearing a backpack and what appeared to be a handgun holster. The footage shows this person tampering with Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera on the night she vanished. The images were recovered from 'back-end systems' after initial difficulties in accessing them. The investigation has also been complicated by reports of multiple ransom notes demanding payment in cryptocurrency, though their authenticity remains unconfirmed by authorities. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have made emotional public pleas, expressing a willingness to pay for their mother's safe return.
Ongoing Efforts and Public Assistance
The multi-agency investigation, led by the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI, continues with extensive efforts. Over 4,000 calls have been made to a tip line, and the FBI is conducting an 'extensive search' along roadways near Guthrie's home. A $50,000 reward has been offered for information leading to her recovery or the arrest and conviction of those involved. Nancy Guthrie, who has limited mobility and requires daily medication, is considered to be in urgent need of her prescriptions.
5 Comments
Michelangelo
While the belated release of surveillance footage is helpful, it makes you wonder about the initial response time and why such critical evidence wasn't accessible sooner in the investigation.
Leonardo
While the authorities are clearly working hard, releasing a person of interest so soon after questioning seems premature given the circumstances. It adds a layer of doubt.
Raphael
The multi-agency effort is impressive, yet the vastness of the search area and lack of concrete findings after weeks highlights the immense challenge of these types of disappearances.
Donatello
How do you question a person of interest and just let them go? That makes no sense.
Michelangelo
It's commendable that the family is offering a reward and making public pleas, but the unconfirmed ransom notes complicate the narrative and could be a dangerous distraction.