FBI Releases Surveillance Images in Search for Missing Arizona Woman
Federal authorities have released newly recovered surveillance images showing a masked individual outside the home of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since January 31, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona.
The images, released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, mark the first public visual evidence connected to the case since Guthrie’s disappearance and represent a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
Guthrie was last seen after being dropped off at her home by family members following a dinner. She failed to appear at a scheduled church service the next morning, prompting concern and a missing person report.
Surveillance Footage Shows Masked Individual
The newly recovered images show a person wearing a balaclava, gloves, a zipped jacket, and a backpack standing outside Guthrie’s front door in the early morning hours of February 1.
In some frames, the individual appears to tamper with the home’s video doorbell camera and partially block its view using nearby plants. Authorities say the person also appears to be carrying a firearm.
Officials have not confirmed whether the individual is directly responsible for Guthrie’s disappearance, but believe the footage may be linked to the case.
FBI Statement on Recovered Evidence
FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators worked with private technology partners to recover the footage after the original recording devices were removed and data was inaccessible.
In a public statement, Patel said the images were reconstructed from residual backend systems and represent material that was previously unavailable to investigators.
He urged anyone with relevant information to contact federal authorities.
White House Reaction
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump had been briefed on the footage.
She described his reaction as one of concern and sympathy for the family, adding that the administration encourages anyone with information to cooperate with investigators.
Public Response and Online Speculation
Since the release of the images, public interest in the case has intensified. Online users have attempted to analyze the suspect’s appearance, posture, and movements.
Law enforcement officials have cautioned against such speculation, emphasizing that amateur analysis can lead to misidentification and may harm the investigation.
Authorities have not confirmed the individual’s gender, identity, or background.
Expert Commentary on Suspect’s Behavior
Former FBI firearms instructor Mark Harrigan told media outlets that the suspect’s visible handling of the firearm and interaction with the camera may indicate inexperience.
He noted that experienced offenders often conceal weapons and use more deliberate methods to disable surveillance systems. However, officials stress that such observations are opinions and not official conclusions.
Brief Detention in Connection With Investigation
Earlier this week, a local delivery driver identified in reports as Carlos Palazuelos was briefly detained and questioned by police.
He was released without charges after several hours. Authorities have not identified him as a suspect and described the questioning as part of routine investigative procedures.
Law enforcement agencies have reiterated that no arrests have been made.
Family Appeals and Ransom Reports
Guthrie’s daughter, Savannah Guthrie, has continued to appeal publicly for help in locating her mother.
In social media posts, she and her siblings urged anyone with information to come forward and expressed hope for Nancy’s safe return.
Investigators are also reviewing reported ransom communications demanding payment in cryptocurrency. Officials have not confirmed their authenticity and say no verified proof of life has been established.
Profile of Elderly Kidnapping Cases
Former FBI profiler Candice DeLong has noted that in many cases involving elderly victims, the perpetrator is often someone known to the individual.
Authorities have not said whether this applies in Guthrie’s case, and continue to examine all possible scenarios.
Current Status of the Investigation
As of now:
-
No suspect has been formally identified
-
Surveillance footage has been released to the public
-
One person was detained and released without charges
-
Ransom communications remain under review
-
A reward is being offered for credible information
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI continue to analyze digital evidence, interview witnesses, and follow up on public tips.
Officials say the volume of information has increased significantly since the footage was made public.
Conclusion
The release of surveillance images marks a critical moment in the search for Nancy Guthrie, providing investigators and the public with the first visual lead in the case.
While speculation has spread online, authorities emphasize that the investigation remains evidence-driven and ongoing. They continue to urge the public to focus on verified information and report only credible tips.
As the search enters its second week, Guthrie’s family and law enforcement officials remain hopeful that the newly released footage will help bring answers—and lead to her safe return.