Authorities Detain and Release Delivery Driver Carlos Palazuelos While FBI Investigates Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, Arizona

A delivery driver who was temporarily held in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, has broken his silence to insist he is innocent.

Carlos Palazuelos, who lives in Rio Rico, Arizona, about 60 miles from Tucson, was questioned by authorities late Tuesday night but released without any charges early Wednesday morning.

Palazuelos expressed frustration outside his home, saying he had no prior knowledge of Nancy Guthrie or her daughter Savannah.

“I hope they find the suspect, cause I’m not it—they better do their job and find the person who did this so they can clear my name,” he told reporters.

FBI Surveillance Prompts Detention

Palazuelos’ detention came shortly after the FBI released the first surveillance images of a suspect seen near Guthrie’s home on the night of January 31.

Authorities have not confirmed why he was singled out, though the agency is reportedly considering “multiple persons of interest,” according to FBI Director Kash Patel.

During his time in custody, Palazuelos claims he was held without being read his rights for two hours and that police followed him while making deliveries.

He also said officers conducted a thorough search of his home, breaking down his front and garage doors.

Details From Palazuelos’ Account

According to Palazuelos, police informed him he was being detained in connection to a kidnapping, though he had no idea of whom.

“They told me to stop moving. What the f*** am I doing here? I didn’t do anything to be honest, I’m innocent,” he said.

He added that officers didn’t ask him any questions about Savannah or her family.

The search of his home included his wife, children, and in-laws, and he was released just after 1 a.m. local time.

Palazuelos emphasized his desire for authorities to find the real suspect, noting that he hopes the investigation resolves quickly to clear his name.

FBI Releases Disturbing Footage

Federal investigators released chilling doorbell camera footage that may be connected to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

The video shows an armed individual wearing a ski mask and black latex gloves tampering with the Nest camera in the early hours of February 1.

The suspect’s actions suggest premeditation, and authorities continue to seek more information from the public.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that a Bitcoin account mentioned in alleged ransom letters to media outlets showed some activity after a specified deadline passed.

The letters reportedly included specific details about damage to Nancy’s home and other private information, leading investigators to suspect they were written by the kidnapper.

The Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on the evening of January 31 entering her Tucson home after having dinner with her daughter, Annie, and son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni.

She failed to join a virtual church service the next morning, prompting concern. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed she was reported missing on February 1 around noon.

Investigators found drops of blood on her front porch, confirmed to be hers, and noted that her doorbell camera was disconnected at roughly 1:45 a.m.

Movement was detected by her security system shortly after, and her pacemaker stopped transmitting data to her devices, suggesting she may have been removed from her home.

Nancy relies on daily medications, and it is unknown if her abductor has provided access to them.

Family Pleads for Help

Savannah Guthrie, along with her siblings Anne and Camron, have publicly urged the community to provide tips and assistance in locating their mother.

Law enforcement continues to comb the property, which sits on a large, unlit lot, for further evidence.

What’s Next?

Authorities are following multiple leads and continue to review surveillance footage, communications, and tips from the public.

The FBI is also monitoring the Bitcoin account tied to ransom letters, and investigators are assessing whether more than one person may be involved in the disappearance.

Meanwhile, Carlos Palazuelos has been cleared of suspicion, but the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts is far from over.

Summary

Carlos Palazuelos, a delivery driver, was briefly detained but released in connection with the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.

He maintains his innocence and says he has no connection to the family.

The FBI has released surveillance footage of a masked individual tampering with Guthrie’s doorbell camera and is pursuing multiple leads, including activity related to alleged ransom letters.

Nancy’s family continues to plead for help while authorities investigate her disappearance, with questions remaining about her access to vital medications and the identity of her abductor.