In a dramatic turn of events, a delivery driver detained by law enforcement in connection with the high-profile kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie erupted into exhausted laughter as he vehemently protested his innocence following his release. Carlos Palazeulos was apprehended by officials in Rio Rico, Arizona, amid the intensive investigation into the suspected abduction of the 84-year-old woman.
Initial Detainment and Release
Nancy Guthrie, who is the mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on January 31 at her residence approximately 60 miles away in Tucson. Authorities had initially stated they had no suspects or persons of interest until Palazeulos was pulled over and detained by police officers on Tuesday.
In footage captured by ABC15, Palazeulos spoke with the outlet immediately after being released without charge by Pima County Sheriff's Deputies just after 1 a.m. on Wednesday. A reporter with the outlet asked him if he had anything to say regarding his detainment, stating, 'We're trying to figure out what is going on.'
Palazeulos's Reaction and Statement
Initially hesitant, Palazeulos smiled and told the reporter: 'Nah, I'm good thank you' before he moved to enter a vehicle. However, before he could close the door, Palazeulos turned back and disclosed what had transpired. 'Okay I'll let you know,' he said as he closed the door, adding, 'I was arrested for kidnapping but I didn't do it.'
Palazeulos explained that his wife pulled over their vehicle after realizing they were being followed by law enforcement. 'They told me I was being detained for kidnapping, and I asked "kidnapping of who?", and they told me this lady, I don't know her name,' he recounted.
The reporter inquired if her name was Nancy Guthrie, to which Palazeulos responded: 'That's her, I might have delivered a package to her house but I never kidnapped anybody.' He further stated that he had never heard of her until Tuesday and chuckled when the reporter mentioned he was the person of interest arrested in the case.
Investigation Details and Background
It remains unclear why police turned their attention to him, but this development occurred hours after the FBI released the first surveillance photos of a suspect seen lurking near Guthrie's home on January 31, the night she was taken. Palazeulos was questioned for several hours before being released without charge. Police have yet to name any other suspects, but FBI Director Kash Patel indicated that investigators are considering 'multiple persons of interest'.
Palazeulos also spoke with reporters outside his home in the early hours of Wednesday morning, continuing to plead his innocence. He asserted: 'I hope they find the suspect, cause I'm not it - they better do their job and find the suspect that did it so they can clear my name.'
Home Search and Additional Claims
Palazeulos added that while he was in custody, police searched his home, where he resides with his wife, children, and in-laws. He claimed that officers who raided the address broke down his front door and his garage doors. The Daily Mail attempted to contact Palazeulos on Wednesday for further comment.
Broader Investigation Context
Federal authorities have been inundated with tips and are examining more than 'one person of interest' after releasing horrifying doorbell camera footage. An armed figure wearing a ski mask and black latex gloves was spotted tampering with Nancy's Nest doorbell camera in the early hours of February 1.
As officials continue their search, TMZ reported that a Bitcoin account referenced in ransom letters sent to media outlets has seen some activity after a deadline passed. The news website is one of three outlets that received alleged ransom notes in connection with Nancy's abduction.
Unidentified sources involved in the investigation told the outlet that officers believe the ransom notes were written by the kidnapper. Sources indicated the letters referenced specific damage to Nancy's home and other details that have not been made public. On Wednesday, TMZ confirmed they had received a third letter which stated the sender knew the kidnapper and was demanding one Bitcoin to reveal their identity.
Last Known Activities and Current Status
Nancy was last seen entering her home after having dinner with her daughter, Annie, and son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni. The next morning, she was reported missing after failing to attend a virtual church service with friends, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. Except for the video released by officials on Tuesday, there has been little new information about the case since she vanished, leaving the investigation ongoing and the community on edge.
