Person of interest released after being detained in connection with Nancy Guthrie

Federal authorities have released the person of interest who was detained Tuesday night in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, following several hours in custody and questioning.

The man, who identified himself as Carlos Palazuelos, told reporters that he was the individual stopped by law enforcement. Palazuelos said he works as a delivery driver in Tucson and was detained after what he described as a routine traffic stop.

According to Palazuelos, his wife was driving when they noticed police following them and decided to pull over.

After being released, Palazuelos spoke outside his home in Rio Rico, Arizona, maintaining his innocence and stating that he had never heard of the alleged kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie prior to being detained. He said authorities held him against his will during questioning and searched his home pursuant to a warrant.

Earlier Tuesday, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that a person of interest had been detained in southern Tucson as part of the investigation. However, law enforcement has not publicly confirmed that Palazuelos was the same individual referenced in the department’s earlier statement.

The FBI Evidence Response Team, working alongside the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, conducted a search of a property in Rio Rico in connection with Guthrie’s disappearance. Rio Rico is located approximately 60 miles south of Tucson near the U.S.-Mexico border. Authorities said the search of the property concluded around 1 a.m. local time. The investigation remains ongoing.

According to CNN law enforcement said that the detention was based on investigative leads and that the individual was not charged with any crime. Officials emphasized that being detained as a person of interest does not mean a person is formally accused or charged.

FBI Director Kash Patel addressed the case Tuesday night during an appearance on “Hannity,” stating that investigators are looking into multiple persons of interest.

Patel said authorities have made substantial progress in the last 36 to 48 hours, crediting the FBI’s technical capabilities and partnerships with local agencies. However, he cautioned that individuals remain persons of interest until they are either cleared or identified as suspects.

“Without polluting the investigation, I will say we have made substantial progress,” Patel said, noting that the investigation is still in a critical stage.

The developments come after authorities released the first images of what they described as an “armed individual” believed to be connected to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. The images show a person wearing a mask, gloves, long sleeves, pants, and a backpack. The individual appears to have a holstered handgun.

According to Patel, the video footage was recovered from residual data stored in backend systems. Authorities said the footage shows the individual approaching Guthrie’s front door and attempting to conceal the doorbell camera with a glove.

In one segment, the person is seen placing plants in front of the camera, apparently to obstruct its view. Another clip shows the individual walking toward the home’s archway with their head tilted downward.

Investigators had initially hoped that security cameras at the residence would provide key evidence about what happened. However, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos previously stated that the doorbell camera was disconnected early Sunday morning.

Although software data recorded movement at the home minutes later, Nancy Guthrie did not have an active subscription service, meaning no video footage was saved or recoverable.

Nancy Guthrie has been missing since Sunday, February 1, after she failed to attend church services. She was last seen around 9:45 p.m. the night before, after being dropped off at her Tucson home following dinner at her daughter Annie Guthrie’s residence.

The case has drawn national attention, particularly after three news outlets received alleged ransom letters. At least one of the messages included monetary demands with specific deadlines. The first deadline passed on Thursday, and a second deadline expired Monday evening. Authorities have not confirmed whether the ransom notes are authentic.

The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.

Investigators have confirmed that blood found on Guthrie’s front porch matched her DNA. Authorities say they currently have no proof of life but remain hopeful that she is still alive. Guthrie reportedly requires daily medication for high blood pressure and heart-related conditions, including a pacemaker, adding urgency to the search.

Officials continue to urge anyone with information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online. The investigation remains active and ongoing.

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