Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has defended the probable cause that led investigators to detain Carlos Palazuelos in connection with the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie. The sheriff's comments come as Palazuelos, who has not been charged, prepares to file a $3.25 million notice of claim against the sheriff's department.
Nanos stated that a judge approved the probable cause warrant, asserting that investigators had information suggesting Guthrie or a suspect could be at the location. "From what we have in front of us, the evidence, the DNA, the whatever, the videos. Yeah, I think you can eliminate them," Nanos told Fox News Digital. He clarified that being eliminated as a suspect at one point does not permanently preclude them from being reconsidered if new information surfaces.
Palazuelos, a delivery driver from Rio Rico, was detained in February 2026, miles south of Tucson. He was released without charges. Another man, Luke Daly, who was facing unrelated drug charges at the time, was also briefly detained and released. Neither has been arrested or charged in connection with Guthrie's abduction, which occurred on February 1, 2026.
The notice of claim filed by Palazuelos and his in-laws alleges he was targeted without probable cause, arrested without being given a reason, and held for hours. The filing also claims the warrant was obtained with "false or baseless evidence" and points to a sheriff's department tweet that stated a "suspect" had been detained. The warrant has not been made public.
Nanos reiterated that at the time of the searches, investigators believed there was a possibility Guthrie was at the location or that the perpetrator was there. He added that after reviewing the situation and speaking with individuals, they felt comfortable releasing them. "We had information that made us believe that there’s a potential that Nancy’s there, or there’s a potential the bad guy’s there," he explained. "That evidence is presented to the judge that says, ‘Yep, go get him.’"
Sheriff Nanos emphasized that while the family and previously detained individuals are not currently considered suspects, this status could change if new evidence emerges. "I think I early on said, 'Look, there is no suspects. The family is not suspects. They’re not,'" he told Fox News Digital. "Now, does that mean that ends it forever? No. What happens if next week somebody calls and says, ‘Hey, a family member did this, and here’s how I know it’? You know that always opens a door."
Investigators are continuing to sort through evidence, including DNA and video, and Nanos expressed optimism that the case will be resolved. The sheriff urged anyone with information to come forward, as the family has offered an anonymous reward for information leading to an arrest. The family is also asking tipsters to contact the FBI directly.