Delivery Driver Questioned and Released in Ongoing Search for Nancy Guthrie
The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, took a significant turn this week after law enforcement briefly detained a local delivery driver for questioning in southern Arizona.
The man was held for several hours following a traffic stop near Rio Rico, before being released without charges. Authorities emphasized that the detention was part of routine investigative procedures and that no suspects have been publicly identified.
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since February 1, 2026. Her case has attracted national attention, prompting extensive searches, public appeals, and federal involvement.
Traffic Stop and Temporary Detention
On Tuesday, February 10, officers conducted a traffic stop near Rio Rico, approximately 60 miles south of Tucson. During the stop, a man identified as Carlos Palazuelos, a local delivery driver, was detained for questioning.
According to authorities, he was held for several hours while investigators reviewed information related to the case. He was later released without charges.
Both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department stated that Palazuelos has not been named as a suspect and that the detention did not indicate wrongdoing.
Officials described the questioning as part of standard efforts to establish timelines and verify potential connections.
Palazuelos Speaks After Release
After his release, Palazuelos spoke with reporters outside his home, describing the experience as stressful and confusing.
He said he was not immediately informed why he had been detained and felt distressed by the length of questioning. In interviews, he repeatedly denied any involvement in Guthrie’s disappearance.
“I didn’t do anything,” he told local media. “I’m innocent.”
Palazuelos also said that, because of his work, it was possible he had delivered packages in the area in the past, but he did not know Nancy Guthrie and had no personal connection to her.
He expressed hope that investigators would identify those responsible so his name could be cleared and the family could receive answers.
Property Search and Evidence Review
Later on February 10, law enforcement executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residence in Rio Rico connected to Palazuelos.
The FBI’s Evidence Response Team assisted in the search, which reportedly included both the home and a vehicle. Officials have not disclosed what, if anything, was seized.
Nearby residents told local outlets that parts of the home were damaged during the search. Authorities have not confirmed details about the operation.
Investigators stressed that the search was one of many conducted as part of the broader inquiry and should not be interpreted as confirmation of guilt.
Background on Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026, at her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson. She had been dropped off late that night after a family gathering.
When she failed to appear at a church livestream the following morning, relatives became concerned. Later that day, she was reported missing.
Investigators believe she may have been taken against her will in the early hours of February 1. Evidence cited by authorities includes:
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Security footage showing a masked individual tampering with her doorbell camera
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Disruption of her medical monitoring app
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Blood matching Guthrie’s DNA on her front porch
Because of her age and medical needs, officials classified her as especially vulnerable and treated the case as a suspected criminal abduction early in the investigation.
A $50,000 reward has been offered for credible information.
Surveillance Footage and Public Appeals
On February 10, the FBI released enhanced surveillance images showing a person wearing gloves, a mask, and a backpack outside Guthrie’s home before her disappearance.
The individual appears to interfere with the doorbell camera shortly before it stopped recording.
Savannah Guthrie and other family members shared the images publicly, asking anyone who recognizes the person to contact authorities.
Officials have said the footage is a key piece of evidence but have not yet confirmed any identifications.
Ransom Messages and Cryptocurrency Claims
The investigation has also involved ransom messages sent to several media outlets demanding payment in Bitcoin.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the messages are authentic and say no verified proof of life has been received.
Some activity has reportedly been detected on cryptocurrency addresses mentioned in the messages, but officials have not stated whether it is directly connected to the case.
DoorDash and Public Response
Following reports of Palazuelos’ detention, DoorDash confirmed that he had previously worked as a delivery driver on its platform.
The company stated that it was cooperating with law enforcement and expressed sympathy for the Guthrie family.
Public reaction has been mixed, with many urging caution against speculation. Legal experts and community leaders have emphasized that questioning individuals is routine in major investigations and does not imply guilt.
Investigation Remains Active
Authorities continue to follow up on tips, analyze digital records, review forensic evidence, and conduct neighborhood canvassing.
Officials say no arrests have been made and no suspects have been formally identified.
As the case enters its second week, law enforcement and the Guthrie family remain focused on finding answers and locating Nancy.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI or local authorities.
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie remains unresolved, and investigators stress that progress will depend on verified evidence, public cooperation, and careful analysis rather than speculation.