A delivery driver who was briefly detained in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has been released without charges, authorities confirmed, as the search for the missing mother extends into its eleventh day. The driver, 36-year-old Carlos Palazuelos, was taken into custody on February 10 while performing his routine delivery duties in Arizona. Investigators questioned him for several hours before ultimately determining that there was insufficient evidence to hold him in relation to Nancy’s disappearance. The case has garnered significant public attention not only because of the circumstances surrounding Nancy’s vanishing but also due to her connection to TODAY co-host Savannah Guthrie. Despite the media spotlight, law enforcement officials have emphasized that the investigation is being conducted with the same urgency, thoroughness, and care as any missing persons case. Local, state, and federal agencies remain actively involved, working in coordination to gather evidence, interview potential witnesses, and track leads. Authorities continue to appeal to the public, urging anyone with relevant information—no matter how minor—to come forward, emphasizing that community cooperation can often be pivotal in resolving cases of this nature.
According to police reports, Palazuelos came to their attention as part of standard investigative procedures, which included reviewing delivery records, analyzing surveillance footage, and mapping neighborhood activity on the day Nancy disappeared. Officers located him during his work shift and conducted what they described as a voluntary interview, which followed his initial temporary detention. Palazuelos later recounted to reporters that he felt confused and frightened when approached by law enforcement but cooperated fully with their inquiries. He explained that he had no prior relationship or personal knowledge of Nancy or her daughter beyond possibly delivering a package to their address. After several hours of questioning, authorities released him and confirmed that he was not being charged with any crime, underscoring that his detention was precautionary and procedural. The investigation at this stage continues to focus on other leads, with law enforcement emphasizing that detentions in cases like this often do not indicate culpability but rather serve as part of broader investigative efforts.
Following his release, Palazuelos spoke publicly to reiterate his innocence and explain his willingness to cooperate with authorities. He told reporters that he agreed to answer investigators’ questions in an effort to clear his name as quickly as possible, describing the experience as overwhelming but expressing empathy for the challenges facing law enforcement during such high-profile cases. “I have nothing to hide,” he reportedly said, emphasizing that he had no involvement in Nancy’s disappearance. Palazuelos acknowledged that he may have delivered a package to Nancy’s residence on the day she went missing, but he explained that such deliveries are part of his routine work and that he does not typically interact directly with recipients beyond leaving packages at their doors. Friends and family members have also publicly defended him, describing Palazuelos as a hardworking, law-abiding individual who would never intentionally harm anyone. These statements serve to reinforce that, while his brief detention received media attention, investigators have found no evidence linking him to the disappearance, and his cooperation has been described as professional and transparent.
DoorDash, the delivery company employing Palazuelos, issued a statement confirming that it has maintained communication with law enforcement officials and is ready to provide any assistance necessary. The company emphasized that it takes matters concerning customer safety seriously and that it is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. In addition to confirming its cooperation with police, DoorDash extended sympathy to the Guthrie family, acknowledging the distress caused by the ongoing search for Nancy. The company also encouraged anyone with credible information regarding the case to contact authorities immediately. While law enforcement has not suggested that the company itself is under investigation, standard investigative procedures have involved reviewing delivery logs and other data to verify activity patterns and timelines. This collaboration underscores the broader role that private companies can play in criminal investigations, particularly in cases where delivery or service records may contain critical information relevant to tracking the movements of individuals or corroborating alibis.
Investigators have also revealed the emergence of ransom notes linked to the case, which demand cryptocurrency payments in exchange for information regarding Nancy’s whereabouts. Authorities have indicated that the notes do not contain direct threats of harm but that they request digital currency, raising concerns about potential opportunistic criminal activity in addition to the initial disappearance. Details regarding the delivery method of these notes have not been disclosed, nor have officials confirmed whether they are credible. The FBI has joined the investigation and recently released images depicting a masked individual appearing to tamper with a doorbell camera near Nancy’s home around the time she went missing. The images, captured through neighborhood surveillance systems, show a person partially obscured by clothing, leaving investigators to determine both the individual’s identity and whether they are directly connected to Nancy’s disappearance. These developments illustrate the complexity of the case, as law enforcement must navigate multiple potential leads while verifying the authenticity of information and coordinating among various agencies.
As the investigation continues, authorities emphasize that they are actively pursuing multiple leads while carefully evaluating all available evidence. Search efforts remain ongoing, with officers canvassing neighborhoods, reviewing digital data, and interviewing individuals who may have seen or interacted with Nancy in the days leading up to her disappearance. Community members have also mobilized, organizing volunteer search efforts and holding vigils in support of the Guthrie family, reflecting the widespread concern and empathy that this case has inspired. Law enforcement officials caution against speculation in the media or online forums, stressing that the situation remains fluid and that premature conclusions could hinder the investigation. They reiterate their appeal to the public to share any tips, no matter how minor they may seem, as even seemingly trivial information can prove crucial in piecing together a timeline of events. With multiple agencies involved and the continued engagement of both authorities and the community, the search for Nancy Guthrie remains a priority, and officials remain committed to uncovering the truth and providing clarity for her family and the public alike.
