Chile, this case just keeps taking turns… The man who was detained in connection with the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, has now been released. But while he’s back home, the investigation is far from over.
On Tuesday, Feb. 10, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that deputies had “detained a subject during a traffic stop south of Tucson” in Arizona earlier that day.
But by the Wednesday morning, major outlets including CNN reported that the man who had been detained for questioning was officially released.
WATCH: The man questioned in relation to the Nancy Guthrie disappearance in Rio Rico, AZ is released. Carlos Palazuelos explains what happened to him. pic.twitter.com/1CUYWaIW6a
— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) February 11, 2026
According to CBS News, the man, who asked to be identified only as Carlos is a DoorDash delivery driver. He told reporters he was stopped during a traffic stop and subsequently detained.
Speaking to reporters early on Wednesday, Feb. 11 outside his home in Rio Rico, Ariz., he said. “I didn’t do anything … I’m innocent,” he said. He also made it clear he allegedly doesn’t know who Savannah Guthrie or her mom Nancy is, according to the clip.
Meanwhile, the focus remains on finding Nancy.
The 84-year-old was last seen at her Tucson home on Jan. 31. Shortly after, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, alongside the FBI, launched a full-scale investigation into her disappearance. At a Feb. 3 press conference, Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that authorities believe she was taken against her will.
The situation grew even more serious when Nanos later confirmed that blood found on the exterior porch of Nancy’s home matches her DNA. Adding to the urgency, he revealed that she is currently without her daily medication needed to survive.
As of Wednesday, Feb. 11, no suspects or persons of interest have been officially identified in Nancy’s kidnapping.
So while one man is no longer in custody, the questions are still hanging heavy in the Arizona air. An elderly woman is missing. A family is waiting. And investigators are still working to piece together what happened.
This story is developing.