After hours of intensive interrogation and a cloud of suspicion that gripped the national headlines, the delivery driver detained in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has been released.
Carlos Palazuelos, 36, was intercepted by law enforcement while driving on February 10. His detention sent shockwaves through a case that has already captivated the public—the mysterious disappearance of the mother of TODAY co-host Savannah Guthrie. As the search enters its 11th grueling day, the release of the primary person of interest without charges suggests a frustrating reset for investigators.
“I’m Innocent”: The Driver Speaks Out
Authorities initially moved on Palazuelos under the belief that he possessed vital information regarding the case. However, after several hours in custody, he was released. Stepping onto the driveway of his Arizona residence, a visibly frustrated Palazuelos addressed the gathered media, detailing a harrowing experience behind bars.
“They held me against my will,” Palazuelos claimed. “They didn’t even read me my rights until two hours later.”
The driver maintained a staunch defense of total ignorance, asserting to investigators that he had no knowledge of Nancy Guthrie or her high-profile daughter. “What the f**k am I doing here? I didn’t do anything,” he recalled telling officers. “To be honest, I’m innocent.”
Palazuelos did, however, provide one logistical link to the investigation: he reportedly told officers he may have delivered a parcel to the Guthrie residence on February 1—the very day the 84-year-old was last seen. “I hope they get the suspect, because I’m not it,” he added. “They better do their job and find the suspect that did it so they can clear my name.”
Corporate Response and the $6 Million Demand
The detention of Palazuelos prompted an immediate response from his employer, DoorDash. The delivery giant issued a statement confirming they were “urgently investigating” the reports and were in active communication with law enforcement. “Like tens of millions around the world, our hearts are with the Guthrie family during this heart-wrenching time,” the company stated.
The investigation remains fraught with high-stakes tension. Two separate ransom deadlines have already lapsed, with captors demanding $6 million in Bitcoin for Nancy’s safe return. Notably, the ransom notes reportedly lacked a direct threat regarding the consequences of non-payment, adding another layer of ambiguity to the kidnappers’ motives.
New Evidence: The Man in the Balaclava
While the lead on the delivery driver appears to have cooled, the FBI has pivoted to new, chilling visual evidence. On Wednesday, FBI Director Kash Patel released previously “inaccessible” images captured by a video doorbell at the Guthrie home.
The images depict an armed individual dressed in a tactical ensemble: a balaclava, gloves, a zipped jacket, and a backpack. The suspect appears to be actively tampering with the camera lens on the morning of the disappearance.
“Working with our partners—as of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these… images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door,” Director Patel confirmed.
As the clock continues to tick, the focus shifts from the delivery route to the masked figure on the porch. The FBI and local authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they race against time to bring Nancy Guthrie home.
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