Suspect Questioned, Released in Guthrie Kidnapping Case

An individual detained for questioning in connection with the abduction of Nancy Guthrie was later released Tuesday evening, as federal and local authorities continue an aggressive, round-the-clock investigation into the disappearance of the 84-year-old Tucson resident.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the detention, noting that the individual was questioned and subsequently released. ABC News, which first reported the development, said the man was apprehended south of Tucson by local authorities with assistance from the FBI.

Fox News reported that the man was considered a “person of interest” in the case involving the mother of NBC News co-host Savannah Guthrie.

Following his release, the individual spoke with CNN affiliate KNXV and denied any involvement.

The suspect maintained “he didn’t even know who this woman was, that he works as a delivery driver.”

“I told them … I might have delivered a package to their house but I never kidnapped anybody,” he said.

The initial report of his detention, published at approximately 7:20 p.m. Mountain Standard Time, stated that “law enforcement is preparing to search a location associated with the individual.”

Nancy Guthrie was reportedly taken from her home in Tucson during the early morning hours of Feb. 1. Authorities have outlined a chilling timeline: her doorbell camera was disabled at 1:47 a.m.; the device detected the presence of an individual at 2:12 a.m.; and at 2:28 a.m., her pacemaker disconnected from her phone, which had been left behind inside the residence.

Investigators also discovered blood outside the home and cited signs of forced entry.

Over the weekend, individuals claiming to be responsible for the kidnapping demanded ransom in cryptocurrency. The family publicly indicated they were willing to comply in hopes of securing Nancy’s safe return.

“We received your message and we understand,” Savannah Guthrie said in a video appeal. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

The alleged kidnappers’ Monday deadline passed without confirmation of Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts. However, TMZ founder Harvey Levin reported Tuesday that his sources indicated “there is now activity” in the cryptocurrency account tied to the ransom payment.

Meanwhile, the FBI has intensified its involvement, establishing what it described as a full-scale operational presence.

The bureau said it is “currently operating a 24-hour command post that includes crisis management experts, analytic support, and investigative teams. But we still need the public’s help.”

“Someone has that one piece of information that can help us bring Nancy home.”

FBI Director Kash Patel recently visited the command center and disclosed a major development in the case. Working alongside “private sector partners,” investigators recovered previously inaccessible surveillance images showing an armed, masked individual disabling the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s home.

The footage had been presumed “lost, corrupted, or inaccessible due to a variety of factors, including the removal of recording devices,” Patel said.

“The video was recovered from residual data located in the backend systems,” Patel explained.

“Working with four 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.”

It remains unclear whether authorities believe the armed, masked individual captured in the recovered footage is the same person seen in earlier surveillance images.

Under President Donald J. Trump’s administration, federal agencies have emphasized enhanced coordination with local law enforcement and private-sector technology experts to deploy every available tool in high-profile criminal investigations. In this case, officials say that effort is ongoing — and urgent.

As investigators process forensic evidence, digital breadcrumbs, and ransom-related financial activity, one reality remains unchanged: a family is waiting, and law enforcement is racing against time.