Authorities Detain Man Near Mexican Border in Rio Rico Arizona in Connection With Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Investigation

The family of the man detained in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has come forward, insisting he has no involvement in the 84-year-old’s case.

Josefina, the detainee’s mother-in-law, told NewsNation and CNN that her son-in-law was at their home in Rio Rico, Arizona when authorities stopped him during a traffic check near the Mexican border.

Josefina described her son-in-law as a “good guy” with no criminal record and insisted he was at home during the time Nancy was taken.

“I’m positive he was at home. On the weekends, he stays at my house.

He doesn’t go nowhere,” she said.

Authorities reportedly searched her home after receiving a tip related to the investigation, but Josefina said she welcomed the search and assured law enforcement there was nothing to hide.

Detained During Traffic Stop Near Mexican Border

The man of interest was stopped in a gray SUV, just a few miles from the border.

Witnesses described a large law enforcement presence, including unmarked cars and officers wearing FBI hats.

Marana Police and Pima County Sheriff’s Department vehicles were on scene as the individual was detained for questioning.

Krystal Bacica, a local witness, recounted the scene to the Daily Mail:

“There were five or six unmarked cars, a silver SUV pulled over, and a police car facing it.

Two guys were out of a car with FBI hats. The only marked car said Marana Police.”

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Officials have not confirmed whether the detained man is the masked figure captured on Nancy Guthrie’s Nest camera footage.

Mother-in-Law Insists Video Does Not Match Her Son-in-Law

Josefina said law enforcement showed her the doorbell camera footage of the suspect, an armed individual wearing a ski mask, black gloves, and carrying a backpack.

She told ABC15’s Lillian Donahue that her son-in-law does not match the images.

“They showed me a video to see if it was him, to see … if I recognize the things he was wearing.

He doesn’t have any of that,” she said.

The footage shows the intruder tampering with Nancy’s doorbell, removing the device, and disturbing flowers at the entranceway.

Josefina emphasized that her son-in-law had no connection to the video and was home at the time of the disappearance.

Vehicle Searched in Connection With Case

Authorities also searched the gray SUV involved in the traffic stop, though it remains unclear whether the vehicle played any role in Nancy’s disappearance.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the vehicle was the same one pulled over during the traffic stop.

The investigation continues, and law enforcement is treating the traffic stop and search as part of a broader effort to locate Nancy and gather all potential evidence.

What’s Next

• Federal and local authorities are continuing to investigate the detained individual, though he is not officially a named suspect at this time.

• Officials are analyzing the traffic stop, vehicle, and surrounding surveillance footage for possible connections to the kidnapping.

• Law enforcement continues to search areas in Tucson, Catalina Foothills, and Rio Rico, and urges the public to share any information or video evidence.

• The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department remain the lead agencies in the ongoing investigation.

Summary

• A man was detained near the Mexican border in Rio Rico, Arizona in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

• His mother-in-law, Josefina, insists he was at home during the incident and has no criminal record.

• Law enforcement showed Josefina the masked intruder footage, which she says does not resemble her son-in-law.

• Authorities searched her home and the gray SUV involved in the traffic stop.

• The investigation is ongoing, and no official charges have been filed.

• Federal and local agencies are urging the public to provide tips or surveillance footage to assist in locating Nancy Guthrie.