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In a recent development in the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, authorities have released a man who was under scrutiny after being detained for questioning. The individual had been stopped during a traffic incident following the release of surveillance footage by the FBI. The footage captured a masked and armed figure approaching Guthrie’s residence.
While the man was not officially labeled a suspect, law enforcement did conduct a search of his home under a warrant. As of now, Nancy Guthrie remains missing, according to information provided to NewsNation.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the FBI’s Evidence Response Team, is actively searching a site in Rio Rico, Arizona, as part of the investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance. The department stated, “This operation is expected to last several hours. No further details at this time,” indicating the complexity and intensity of their efforts.
In parallel, the FBI’s distinguished hostage rescue team has been deployed to Tucson, marking the tenth day of the search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. The presence of such a high-level team underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.
The FBI’s elite hostage rescue team is in Tucson as the search for the missing mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie entered its tenth day.
FBI agents are looking at more than one individual as a “person of interest,” the bureau’s director, Kash Patel, told Fox News. “We are looking at people who, as we say, are persons of interest,” Patel said.
Mom-in-law believes detainee is innocent
The mother-in-law of the man detained by police regarding the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie believes he is innocent.
Speaking exclusively to NewsNation senior national correspondent Brian Entin, a woman who identified herself as “Josefina” said her son-in-law, whom she identified as Carlos Palazuelos, was inside her home in Rio Rico, Arizona, during the timeframe when Guthrie disappeared.
Josefina described her son-in-law as a “good guy,” who does not have a criminal record or history of being violent. After being shown surveillance photos of the individual on Nancy Guthrie’s ring camera, Josefina denied it beared a resemblance to Carlos.
FBI’s elite hostage rescue team arrives to aid Nancy Guthrie search
A spokesperson for the Oro Valley Police Department tells NewsNation that members of the regional SWAT team and bomb squads have been activated for a mission with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department as the point of contact.
There was a law enforcement presence near the home of Annie Guthrie, one of Nancy Guthrie’s daughters. Search and rescue teams were canvassing the area around her home, including what appears to be a wooded area.
Investigators have also been speaking to businesses in the area. A neighbor told NewsNation officials were asking residents to check cameras for any footage, saying that two officers had spoken with him earlier.
Activity reported in bitcoin account: TMZ
Two ransom deadlines have now passed, but there has been no confirmed communication between the Guthrie family and the suspected kidnappers, and investigators have not verified whether the notes are actually connected to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
TMZ reports there has been new activity in the bitcoin account listed in the first ransom note — sent to the outlet and two Tucson TV stations — saying the account showed movement within the past 25 minutes. TMZ did not disclose the amount involved.
“We’ve seen activity for the first time in the Bitcoin account listed in the first ransom note which was sent to us here at TMZ, and also to 2 TV stations in Tucson. For various reasons, we are not going to reveal the amount, but the activity happened in the last 25 minutes,” the outlet reported.
Police release surveillance photos, videos in Nancy Guthrie case
The FBI released surveillance footage and images Tuesday showing a masked, armed person approaching Nancy Guthrie’s home and deliberately covering her doorbell camera, the first substantial piece of public evidence.
The video from the Google Nest camera shows an individual wearing a full face mask, gloves and a backpack walking up to the home with what appears to be a flashlight in their mouth and a gun in a front holster.
The person is seen placing a gloved hand over the camera lens, then using a nearby shrub to further conceal the device.
The FBI said in a social media post that the images were retrieved from residual data in backend systems.
Guthrie family pleads with public for help
The mother of news anchor Savannah Guthrie has been missing since Jan. 31, with the search entering a second week.
“We believe she is still alive. Bring her home,” Savannah Guthrie posted on Instagram.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said President Donald Trump’s initial reaction to the new photos is “pure disgust.”
After the second ransom deadline passed, the family released a video pleading with the public for information.
“We believe our mom is still out there and we need your help,” Savannah Guthrie said in a short video posted to Instagram.
Authorities have said they believe Nancy Guthrie, 84, was kidnapped or abducted from her home overnight before being reported missing Jan. 31.
The FBI continues to offer a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
Nancy Guthrie has a pacemaker and requires daily medication for a heart condition. Authorities believe she was taken from her home against her will.
So far, investigators have said they have no suspects or persons of interest in the case, and the subject in the photo is not being described as a potential suspect.
Anyone with information should contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.