Ongoing Investigation into the Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother

Updated February 11, 2026, 5:05 PM EST by NBC News

Key Updates

A man detained last night in connection with the disappearance of “TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother has been released after being questioned for several hours, as reported by authorities. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has yet to officially confirm his release. Identifying himself as Carlos Palazuelos, he explained to Telemundo that his home in Rio Rico, located south of Tucson, was searched during the investigation. Although a delivery driver, he stated he has no memory of delivering items to the Guthrie residence nor does he know Guthrie personally, thus denying any involvement in the case. It is worth noting that Telemundo is part of NBCUniversal, similar to NBC News.

Yesterday, the FBI disseminated security footage and images of a possible suspect involved in the investigation. The visuals showed an individual wearing gloves, a mask, and a backpack, who appeared to interfere with the surveillance camera at Guthrie’s front door on the morning of her disappearance. Nancy Guthrie, aged 84, was last seen being dropped off at her residence near Tucson, Arizona, on the night of January 31, 2026. She was reported missing the next day around noon.

Continuing Search Efforts

On social media, Savannah Guthrie shared her family’s belief that her mother is still alive, stating, “We believe she is still out there. Bring her home.” More than 4,000 calls have been received by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department within 24 hours following the FBI’s release of images and videos. To date, the department has fielded 18,000 tips since the investigation began. Furthermore, law enforcement has enlarged their search areas around Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home and extended the search into the residential areas of Rio Rico, approximately 60 miles south of Tucson.

Authorities confirmed the release of the man detained for questioning, as declared by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI in a statement. This confirmation came after the man relayed similar information to Noticias Telemundo earlier. Their investigation continues, and the detention was based on gathered leads, though no charges have been pressed against the man.

Current Status of the Investigation

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department issued a statement that there are currently no scheduled interviews or upcoming press briefings related to this case. Similarly, the FBI Phoenix office is conducting an extensive search of roadways in the Catalina Foothills area, pertinent to the Guthrie investigation, and has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery.

Savannah Guthrie shared FBI footage on Instagram, showing the masked individual outside her mother’s home with a plea for any information to be sent to authorities. This call to the public has significantly increased the number of tips coming in.

Katherine Schweit, a former FBI agent, highlighted the case’s similarities to a 2003 abduction in Wisconsin but noted differences, as the Guthrie case lacks communication for ransom, baffling experts.

The images and videos released by the FBI, showing someone tampering with Guthrie’s doorbell camera, have contributed to the influx of tips. These were collected from residual data in the camera’s backend systems.

The investigation is actively ongoing. If you have any information that could assist authorities, you are urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI.