A delivery driver detained by police and held for several hours in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has been released from custody.
Thirty‑six‑year‑old Carlos Palazuelos was reportedly picked up by law enforcement while out driving yesterday, February 10. The search for the missing mother of TODAY co‑host Savannah Guthrie is now in its 11th day.
Despite authorities believing Palazuelos might have been involved in the mysterious disappearance, he was ultimately released without charge. He said he told investigators he had never heard of Nancy or Savannah and doesn’t watch the news.
After his release, Palazuelos told reporters outside his Arizona home: “They held me against my will. They didn’t even read me my rights until two hours later.”
Insisting he was innocent and knew nothing about the case, he said he asked investigators: “What the f**k am I doing here? I didn’t do anything, to be honest, I’m innocent.”
Before Palazuelos was released, DoorDash—the company he works for—issued a statement saying: “We are urgently investigating reports that an individual detained in relation to the Nancy Guthrie case was a delivery driver. We have reached out to law enforcement and are ready to support their critical investigation in any way we can. Like tens of millions around the world, our hearts are with the Guthrie family during this heart‑wrenching time.”
Palazuelos reportedly told officers he may have delivered a package to Nancy Guthrie’s home on February 1, the same day she is believed to have gone missing.
He added: “I hope they get the suspect, because I’m not it. And they better do their job and find the suspect that did it so they can clear my name, I’m done.”
Two ransom deadlines demanding $6 million in bitcoin for Nancy’s safe return have already passed. The note reportedly did not include a direct threat about what would happen if payment wasn’t made. Meanwhile, the FBI today released images of an individual appearing to tamper with the video doorbell camera at Nancy’s house while wearing a balaclava, gloves, a zipped jacket, and a backpack.
“Working with our partners — as of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning of her disappearance,” FBI Director Kash Patel said.
