Man Questioned and Released in Connection with Nancy Guthrie Disappearance After FBI Search in Arizona
RIO RICO, Ariz. — A man briefly detained during a traffic stop in southern Arizona in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie was released after questioning, authorities confirmed Tuesday evening. The incident unfolded hours after the FBI issued surveillance images depicting a masked individual wearing what appeared to be a handgun holster outside Guthrie’s home the night she vanished.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reported that deputies stopped and detained a person south of Tucson, near the U.S.-Mexico border, in the community of Rio Rico, which lies approximately 15 miles north of the border and has a population of about 20,000 residents. The FBI, in coordination with local law enforcement, also conducted a court-authorized search of a residence in Rio Rico. The search, which began Tuesday night, lasted several hours before authorities cleared the scene by Wednesday morning.
The man identified himself as Carlos Palazuelos, a delivery driver in the Tucson area. Speaking with Fox News, Palazuelos confirmed he was the individual detained for questioning but emphasized that he was released without charges. The circumstances surrounding his detention remain part of the ongoing investigation.
This development comes amid an intense nationwide search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC host Savannah Guthrie, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The FBI’s release of surveillance footage showing a masked figure near Guthrie’s front door has been a pivotal moment in the case, prompting law enforcement agencies to intensify their efforts in southern Arizona.
The FBI’s involvement highlights the federal scope of the investigation, reflecting the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case. The agency’s search in Rio Rico aligns with efforts to track all possible leads, especially given the proximity to the international border. This area has historically been a focal point for cross-border investigations, with agencies such as the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement often collaborating on complex cases.
Law enforcement officials have been tight-lipped about the specifics of the search or the reasons for Palazuelos’s detention, citing the sensitivity and ongoing nature of the investigation. However, the swift release of the individual indicates that authorities did not find sufficient evidence to hold him at this time.
Meanwhile, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues to work closely with the FBI and other agencies to explore all avenues. The department’s website provides updates on the case and encourages anyone with information to come forward.
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has captivated the nation, with various theories emerging since she was last seen. Authorities have released multiple surveillance videos and images, including one showing a masked suspect, in hopes of generating new leads. The FBI’s investigative efforts, including the search in Rio Rico, underscore the commitment to uncovering the truth.
For ongoing updates on the investigation, the public is advised to consult official sources such as the FBI’s missing persons page and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. These platforms provide verified information and guidance on how to assist in the case.
As the investigation continues, the community remains hopeful that the combined efforts of local and federal agencies will bring clarity and resolution to this troubling disappearance.
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