The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has seen new developments in southern Arizona. Law enforcement briefly detained local delivery driver Carlos Palazuelos for questioning following a traffic stop near Rio Rico on February 10, 2026, though he was released without charges. Authorities emphasized that his detention was routine investigative procedure and did not indicate suspicion of wrongdoing. The case, which began on February 1, 2026, has drawn national attention and involves coordinated efforts from the FBI, Pima County Sheriff’s Department, and extensive public appeals.
During questioning, Palazuelos denied any involvement in Guthrie’s disappearance, stating that he had no personal connection to her. He described the detention as stressful and confusing, noting that his delivery work may have brought him near the area in the past but that he did not know Nancy Guthrie. Investigators stressed that questioning individuals in complex cases is standard practice to establish timelines and verify potential leads, and Palazuelos’ release indicates that authorities found no immediate evidence of wrongdoing.
Later on February 10, law enforcement executed a court-authorized search warrant at a Rio Rico residence connected to Palazuelos, assisted by the FBI’s Evidence Response Team. While local reports mentioned property damage during the search, authorities have not confirmed details or whether evidence was seized. Officials reiterated that detentions and searches are part of normal investigative procedures and do not necessarily imply guilt, noting that the operation is just one component of a larger inquiry.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026, at her Catalina Foothills home near Tucson. Concerns arose when she failed to appear for a scheduled church livestream the following morning. Investigators classified her as a vulnerable adult due to her age, limited mobility, and medical needs, including a pacemaker. Evidence at the scene included security footage of a masked individual tampering with her doorbell camera, disruption of her medical monitoring app, and blood matching Guthrie’s DNA on her porch. Authorities have treated the case as a suspected abduction and offered a $50,000 reward for information.
The FBI released enhanced surveillance footage from Guthrie’s home showing a masked individual wearing gloves and a backpack outside her residence before her disappearance. Savannah Guthrie and her family publicly appealed for information, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the person in the video. Officials have described the footage as key evidence but have not confirmed any identifications. Technical reconstruction of the camera’s recordings delayed its release, requiring private technology partners to make the footage usable.
Additional elements of the investigation include alleged ransom messages demanding Bitcoin payments, though officials have not verified these communications or received proof of life. Palazuelos’ former employer, DoorDash, confirmed his cooperation with authorities. As of now, no suspects have been charged. Investigators continue to review tips, digital records, and forensic evidence while canvassing the neighborhood. Savannah Guthrie and her family remain actively engaged with law enforcement, urging the public to provide credible information as the search for Nancy Guthrie continues.
