Delivery Driver Questioned in Nancy Guthrie Case Speaks Publicly, Denies Involvement
A delivery driver who was detained and questioned in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has spoken out after being released without charges, firmly rejecting any link to the case and criticizing how he says the situation was handled.
Carlos Palazuelos, 36, was taken into custody on February 10 while driving in Arizona as investigators intensified efforts to locate 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-host of Today. The case has drawn national attention as authorities continue to search for answers.
Palazuelos was held for several hours before being released. Law enforcement has not formally named him as a suspect, and no charges have been filed. After returning home, he addressed reporters, expressing frustration and maintaining his innocence.
“They held me against my will,” he said, claiming he was not immediately informed of his rights. He insisted he has no connection to Nancy Guthrie or her family and said he was confused about why he had been detained.
According to Palazuelos, investigators were exploring whether any recent deliveries to Nancy’s Tucson home might be relevant to the timeline of her disappearance. He acknowledged that he may have delivered a package to the residence around the date she was reported missing but described it as a routine job unrelated to the case.
DoorDash, for whom Palazuelos works as a delivery driver, issued a statement during his detention confirming that it had reached out to law enforcement and was prepared to cooperate fully with the investigation. The company expressed sympathy for the Guthrie family but did not comment further after Palazuelos was released.
Standing outside his home, Palazuelos said he hopes authorities identify the responsible party quickly. “I hope they find the real suspect so they can clear my name,” he said, emphasizing that he wants the investigation to move forward.
Meanwhile, officials continue examining evidence tied to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Two ransom deadlines demanding $6 million in bitcoin have passed, though authorities have not disclosed whether any payment was made or whether communication with those behind the messages is ongoing.
Earlier in the week, federal investigators released surveillance images appearing to show a masked, armed individual outside Nancy’s home in the early morning hours of her disappearance. According to Kash Patel, the footage was recovered through coordination between federal agents, local law enforcement, and private-sector partners after initial recording devices were removed or damaged.
Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and instead provide credible information that may assist the case. No arrests have been announced, and investigators continue reviewing digital data, surveillance footage, and tips from the community.
Palazuelos’ brief detention reflects the broad scope of the inquiry, as authorities examine anyone whose activities may intersect with key moments in the timeline. At this stage, however, he has been released without restrictions and faces no formal accusations.
The investigation remains active, and law enforcement has pledged to share confirmed updates as they become available.