KEY POINT
- A 36 year old man briefly detained in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance was released without charges.
- Investigators are continuing search efforts in southern Arizona as the case enters its 11th day.
- Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect in what they are investigating as a possible abduction.
RIO RICO, Ariz. — A man detained for questioning in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84 year old mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, was released early Wednesday morning, authorities said, marking a setback in an investigation now entering its 11th day.
The release of the detained man underscores the challenges facing investigators working to determine what happened to Nancy Guthrie, whose disappearance has drawn national attention due to her daughter’s public profile.
Law enforcement agencies in southern Arizona said the man was questioned and later released after initial inquiries did not establish grounds for further custody.
The case has prompted a coordinated response from local, state and federal authorities as search teams continue efforts in Santa Cruz County near the US Mexico border.
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing earlier this month under circumstances authorities have described as suspicious. Officials have not disclosed specific evidence indicating an abduction but have said investigators are pursuing that possibility.
The man who was detained, identified as Carlos, 36, told reporters he was sitting in his vehicle Tuesday evening in Rio Rico, about one hour south of Tucson, when officers approached him.
“They asked for my name and then detained me,” he said. He declined to provide his last name publicly.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly detailed why Carlos became a person of interest. In a brief statement Wednesday, the department said he was released after questioning and that the investigation remains active.
Savannah Guthrie has not made detailed public comments about the investigation but has thanked supporters in prior statements and asked for privacy for her family.
Disappearances involving older adults often prompt urgent searches, particularly when medical vulnerability is a factor. Law enforcement agencies typically mobilize air and ground units during the first 48 hours, which are considered critical.
John Cohen, former acting undersecretary for intelligence at the US Department of Homeland Security and an ABC News contributor, said the release of a detained individual does not necessarily indicate a loss of direction in the case.
“In high-profile investigations, law enforcement will detain and question individuals based on proximity, tips or behavioral indicators,” Cohen said.
“Releasing someone after questioning can ac yddydd mean investigators did not develop probable cause, but it also means the process is working within constitutional safeguards.”
Shannon Catalano, director of the Bureau of Justice Statistics, has noted in past reports that most missing adult cases are resolved quickly but require rapid coordination across agencies. “Interagency communication and public tip lines are often critical in the early phase,” Catalano said in a prior briefing on missing persons data.
In southern Arizona, geography can complicate search efforts. The region’s desert terrain and border proximity require coordination between county authorities, Arizona Department of Public Safety officers and sometimes federal agencies.
Santa Cruz County Sheriff David Hathaway said in a written statement that the investigation remains active and that authorities are evaluating tips as they come in.
“We are continuing all investigative avenues,” Hathaway said. “The release of an individual does not diminish our commitment to locating Nancy Guthrie.”
Maria Salazar, a Rio Rico resident who said she saw increased patrols in the area this week, described a visible law enforcement presence.
“There have been deputies driving around more than usual,” Salazar said. “People here are concerned and hoping she is found safely.”
Carlos, the man released, said he cooperated fully with investigators. “I answered their questions. I just want to move on,” he said.
Investigators are expected to continue canvassing neighborhoods, reviewing surveillance footage and analyzing phone and vehicle data. Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact local law enforcement.
Law enforcement officials have not announced additional detentions or identified a suspect. Search efforts may expand depending on new leads or evidence developments.
The release of a man detained in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance highlights the complexity of a case that has now entered its second week without resolution. While investigators continue to pursue leads in southern Arizona, authorities say the search for the 84-year-old woman remains their top priority.
