Over the past 24 hours, significant developments have unfolded in the ongoing, widely followed investigation into the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie.
The mother of TODAY show co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie. The case — already austere and puzzling — has taken new turns as authorities released previously unseen surveillance footage and briefly detained a man for questioning, only to release him without charges.
At the same time, former FBI experts have commented publicly on the surveillance video, suggesting the suspected kidnapper’s behavior may have revealed clues about their inexperience.
A Case Entering Its Eleventh Day
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026, when she returned to her Tucson, Arizona, home after a family dinner.
When she failed to appear at a planned livestreamed church service the next morning, family members grew concerned and discovered she was missing, prompting a reported criminal investigation.
She is described by investigators as a vulnerable adult with limited mobility and serious health needs, including a pacemaker and daily medication.
Over the past ten days, authorities, including the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, have worked tirelessly to determine what happened in the hours before her disappearance. But until recently, public details about the possible suspect or circumstances were extremely limited.
New CCTV Footage Released by the FBI
On February 10, 2026, the FBI released multiple photos and short clips from a smart doorbell camera (Google Nest) at Nancy Guthrie’s home showing an individual wearing a ski mask, gloves, and a backpack on the porch early in the morning of February 1 — the day Guthrie vanished.
The person appears to be armed and, at one point, appears to tamper with the doorbell camera itself.
Officials have stressed that no suspect has yet been officially identified, but the visuals represent the first major breakthrough in the case by giving the public a look at someone who may be connected to Guthrie’s disappearance.
The footage was recovered after investigators worked with private sector partners to retrieve previously inaccessible data from the camera’s residual backend systems — even though the device had been removed and Guthrie was not subscribed to a paid storage ser
FBI Director Kash Patel noted that the images were recovered due to these technical collaborations and that the FBI is continuing to solicit public assistance and tips to identify the person captured in the footage.
A $50,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to Guthrie’s safe return or the arrest of anyone involved in her disappearance.
Expert Analysis: Is the Suspect a “Rookie”?
Since the surveillance footage’s release, former law enforcement professionals have publicly shared their impressions of the person seen on camera.
These assessments have focused not on confirming identity but on what the suspect’s behavior might reveal about their level of criminal sophistication.
One former FBI agent noted that the way the individual appears to carry a firearm openly and awkwardly could reflect inexperience.
Typically, someone planning a violent crime would likely conceal a weapon to avoid attracting attention. Holding a firearm where it is visible or awkwardly positioned is unusual for seasoned criminals and suggests a lack of training or familiarity with such tools.
Experts have also pointed to how the suspect interacts with the doorbell camera. In several frames, the masked individual appears to momentarily block the lens with their gloved hand and then returns to retrieve vegetation from the yard in an apparent attempt to obscure it.
Some analysts observed that a more sophisticated perpetrator would likely bring tools or materials — such as spray paint, simple tools to remove the camera, or equipment to better conceal their identity — rather than improvising with nearby foliage
Another former FBI profiler suggested that the suspect’s movements — including walking into view, pausing near the camera, and handling items while seemingly unaware of exactly how the device operates — indicates behavior that is “amateurish” rather than professional.
This has led some analysts to speculate that the individual may not have a history of violent crime or specialized criminal training, though these assessments are interpretations and not official law enforcement conclusions.
Public Reaction and Social Media Interest
The release of the footage ignited immediate public reaction. On social media platforms, users debated the images, discussing not only the suspect’s posture and weapon use but also speculating about whether the suspect’s gait, physical characteristics, or movements might offer clues about their identity.
Some commentators wondered if additional cameras on the property might have recorded other angles, while others focused on the cowboy‑like interaction with the camera itself.
These discussions, while speculative, underline how closely the public has followed the case and how the released footage represents the first visual connection many people have seen to the crime.
Authorities have repeatedly urged the public not to jump to conclusions based on speculation and to instead share credible, verifiable tips with law enforcement.
Police have emphasized that social media analysis or uninformed speculation can be harmful to the investigation if it leads to misidentification of innocent people.
Detention and Release of a Man in Rio Rico
Not long after the release of the surveillance media, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop south of Tucson and detained a man identified in media reports as Carlos Palazuelos, a delivery driver from Rio Rico, Arizona.
Investigators briefly took him into custody for questioning in connection with the Guthrie case, including executing a search warrant at his home, where items were examined as part of the inquiry.
Palazuelos was held for several hours before being released without charges. He has spoken publicly to media, stating that he had no involvement in the disappearance, that he did not know Nancy or Savannah Guthrie prior to his detention, and that he was unsure if he had ever delivered packages to Guthrie’s home.
He told reporters he felt bewildered by the situation and denied any connection to the investigation.
In interviews, he said law enforcement showed a photo of someone wearing a mask and mentioned that a family member thought the masked person’s eyes looked similar to his — a factor he suggested may have led to his questioning.
He also claimed authorities did not immediately inform him of his rights and that his detention felt unclear to him. These statements reflect Palazuelos’ perspective but have not been corroborated by law enforcement reports.
Law enforcement has not confirmed that Palazuelos was the person seen in the surveillance footage, and no formal suspect has been publicly named.
Following his release, authorities reiterated that the investigation is ongoing and that detaining individuals for questioning is a standard part of following up leads, tips, and potential connections.
Why the Video Took So Long to Be Released
One of the puzzling aspects that drew public commentary was why the FBI and local authorities waited more than a week to release any footage of a potential suspect.
Investigators explained that Guthrie’s doorbell camera had been removed from the home, and because she did not have a paid cloud storage subscription, there was no readily accessible stored video.
With the camera in their possession, investigators worked with private‑sector technology partners to recover residual data — essentially reconstructing the video from backend systems after standard access appeared lost or corrupted.
The need to reconstruct footage from residual data — a complex technical process — partially explains the delay in public release. Once recovered, the images and videos were shared to aid the investigation and generate new leads from the public.
Family and Public Appeals
In response to the footage’s release, Savannah Guthrie and her family have turned to social media and public appeals, urging anyone who recognizes the individual or has relevant information to contact authorities.
Savannah emphasized that the family believes her mother is still out there and potentially alive, a sentiment echoed in multiple emotional posts. The family has also acknowledged hearing reports of alleged ransom notes, though law enforcement has not confirmed direct communication or proof of life.
The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department have established tip lines, urging the public to report any credible information that could assist the case.
These tips are considered crucial as investigators work to identify individuals who crossed paths with Guthrie or the area on the night of her disappearance.
Where the Investigation Stands Now
As of this writing:
- No suspect has been publicly charged or formally named in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
- Surveillance footage showing a masked, potentially armed individual tampering with the doorbell camera has been released and widely circulated.
- One man was detained for questioning and released without charges; authorities have not said he is a suspect.
- Law enforcement continues to search areas near Guthrie’s home, including roadways, residences, and other locations connected to tips and evidence.
- Authorities continue to solicit public tips and are offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest of responsible parties.
Investigators have emphasized that while public scrutiny is high, the case remains sensitive and complex. The FBI and local law enforcement have stressed that they will release verified facts as they become available, but will not comment on speculative details or unverified claims circulating online.
What You Can Do If You Have Information
The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department are urging anyone with relevant tips — no matter how small — to come forward.
Information can be submitted through the official FBI tip line or directly to local law enforcement agencies. These channels allow for confidential and anonymous reporting in many cases.
- FBI Tip Line: 1‑800‑CALL‑FBI (1‑800‑225‑5324)
- Pima County Sheriff’s Office: (520) 351‑4900
- Local crime tips: 88‑CRIME
Conclusion
The past 24 hours in the Nancy Guthrie case have underscored both the challenges and the pressures of investigating a high‑profile disappearance.
Newly released surveillance footage offers the first visual lead into what may have happened the morning she vanished, while the brief detention and release of a local delivery driver highlights the complexity of following up on leads without certainty.
Expert commentary suggests the person seen on camera did not exhibit traits associated with experienced criminals, though law enforcement has made no official assessment about the suspect’s identity or skill level.
The investigation remains underway, with authorities relying on a combination of recovered digital evidence, tips from the public, and ongoing searches to piece together the events surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
As the case enters its second week, the family’s pleas for help and the continued hunt for answers stand at the forefront of one of the nation’s most watched missing‑person investigations.
