Person Detained for Questioning in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Released, Reports Say

RIO RICO, Ariz. — A person detained for questioning in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie was later released from custody, according to multiple media reports.

Authorities said the individual was detained Tuesday during a traffic stop south of Tucson. The detention came hours after the FBI released surveillance video showing a masked individual wearing what appeared to be a handgun holster outside Guthrie’s front door on the night she vanished.

Law enforcement agencies have not publicly confirmed the identity of the detained individual or officially verified reports of the release.

Officials also executed a search warrant involving a residence and a vehicle in Rio Rico, Arizona, approximately 60 miles south of Tucson near the U.S.–Mexico border. Details surrounding the search have not been released.

During interviews with national media, family members identified the detained individual as Carlos Alfredo Palazuelos, 36, though investigators have not confirmed whether Palazuelos is connected to the surveillance footage.

Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe noted that traffic stops are often used as investigative tools.

“From that seemingly innocuous conversation, you are trying to build towards probable cause,” McCabe said in an interview with CNN.

Josefina Maddox, who identified Palazuelos as her son-in-law, told reporters that investigators searched her home but maintained he had no involvement in the case.

“I told them you can go in and search my house; there is nobody there. I have nothing to hide,” Maddox said.

Authorities also confirmed continued investigative activity, including newly released FBI images showing an armed individual tampering with Guthrie’s front door camera.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Tucson-area home on Jan. 31. She was reported missing after failing to attend church the following day. Family members have publicly stated they believe she is still alive.

The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie’s recovery or the conviction of those responsible.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Copyright 2026 KPHO via Gray Local Media, Inc. All rights reserved.

Original article by Peter Valencia, Jason Sillman, David Baker, AZFamily Digital News Staff and Debra Worley.