Revelations in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance: Police Release Detained Man Amid Ongoing Investigation

Thu Feb 12 2026 00:00:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Man identified as Carlos was released by police after being detained in the disappearance case of Nancy Guthrie, raising questions about the investigation's direction as new surveillance footage emerges.

Authorities have released a man named Carlos, who was briefly detained during the search for Nancy Guthrie, missing for over a week. After a traffic stop and home search, Carlos claimed he was unaware of Guthrie or the ongoing case. New evidence, including surveillance footage of a masked individual tampering with a camera at Guthrie's home, has surfaced, along with reports of ransom notes tied to her abduction. The investigation continues as family and law enforcement plead for information.

Police have released a man hours after they detained him in connection to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of US news anchor Savannah Guthrie, as reported by CBS News. The man, identified only as Carlos, was taken into custody during a traffic stop, prompting police to search his home in Rio Rico, south of Tucson, Arizona.

Upon his release, Carlos stated that he did not know who Nancy Guthrie was, explaining, 'I don't follow the news'. Nancy Guthrie, aged 84, was abducted from her home near Tucson more than a week ago, prompting a widespread search along with desperate appeals from her family.

Authorities confirmed that they were conducting a court-authorized search at a location in Rio Rico. The news of the detention followed the FBI's release of images and videos showing a masked individual at Nancy Guthrie's doorstep at the time of her disappearance, indicating a potential suspect.

Carlos mentioned to reporters that he noticed law enforcement following him while he was driving and stated that he was made to wait for hours without being questioned. His mother-in-law defended him, claiming he had no involvement in the case. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is investigating ransom notes purportedly tied to Guthrie's abduction, with specific deadlines mentioned.

In the wake of her disappearance, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have released several heartfelt videos on social media, pleading for their mother's safe return. Savannah emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging anyone with information to step forward, especially given their mother's precarious health situation, necessitating medication for survival.

Additionally, Nancy Guthrie is noted to have suffered from medical issues, and authorities found blood on her porch confirmed to be hers. The investigation remains ongoing, with the FBI offering a reward for information regarding her case.