Man Questioned, Released in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

Did authorities have reason to question Carlos Palazuelos or do new FBI leads point investigators toward other suspects?
Man Questioned, Released in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance
Above: Police and news crews stationed outside Nancy Guthrie's residence in Tucson, Arizona on Feb. 10, 2026. Image credit: Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The Spin

Narrative A

Carlos Palazuelos, detained and later released in connection with Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, is innocent and has nothing to hide. Authorities broke down the family’s door to search their Rio Rico home without showing a warrant, handcuffing Palazuelos in front of his family. His mother-in-law insists the surveillance photos don't match him — noting he doesn’t wear backpacks, has no criminal history, and is a good person.

Narrative B

After investigating Palazuelos, federal authorities are pursuing new leads in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, flooding her Tucson-area neighborhood with agents after receiving alleged tips identifying a suspect. The FBI is conducting extensive searches along multiple roadways, reviewing doorbell footage of a masked individual, and examining a third alleged letter demanding one Bitcoin in exchange for the identity of the abductor. Officials confirm multiple persons of interest remain under investigation as the case develops.


Public Figures



© 2026 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.20.4

© 2026 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.20.4