Man detained in connection to Nancy Guthrie abduction hours after FBI release chilling footage
A man was detained in connection with the abduction of Nancy Guthrie last night, hours after police released footage of the 84-year-old's suspected kidnapper.
On 1 February, the mother of TODAY host Savannah Guthrie was taken from her home against her will in Tucson, Arizona, sparking a major police search. Authorities have not been able to locate the elderly woman, with Nancy's abductor previously publishing a 'ransom note' aimed at her children.
Authorities in Tucson confirmed late on Tuesday (10 February) that a person had been detained in connection with Nancy's abduction.
"Earlier today, Pima County Sheriff's Department deputies detained a subject during a traffic stop south of Tucson," Sheriff Chris Nanos said in a statement on X.
Advert
"The subject is currently being questioned in connection to the Nancy Guthrie investigation."
An update from local police has since confirmed the man has been released without charges, according to local outlet KNXV.
He was taken into custody in Rio Rico, Arizona - a town which lies close to the US border with Mexico - while authorities also carried out a search warrant of a home in the area.
KNXV has also confirmed that the search of the Rio Rico property has been completed.
Footage shared by CNN has since revealed what appears to be the homeowner speaking to the media. In the video, she tells reporters that police were searching her house after a tip-off from police.
"They had somebody give a tip that the lady was in my house," the woman said. "I told them you can go in and search my house; there is nobody there. I have nothing to hide."
She also confirmed that it's her son-in-law who authorities had detained, but insisted that he 'had nothing to do with that (the case)'.
"I’m sorry what’s happened to (the Guthries)," she added. "I don’t know her, I don’t know anything about their lives or what’s going on, but I’m so sorry - whoever took her, I hope she got back safe."
FBI Director Kash Patel also confirmed to Fox News that authorities were looking into more than one 'person of interest' in relation to Nancy's abduction.
The update comes hours after law enforcement released a video of a potential suspect tampering with the mother-of-three's doorbell camera prior to the kidnapping.
FBI director Kash Patel shared the snaps on X on Tuesday (10 February) evening, alongside the caption: "Someone out there recognises this person."
Savannah also shared the images on her Instagram account, writing: "We believe she is still alive. Bring her home.
"Anyone with information, please contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department 520-351-4900."
The woman added to The New York Times had been working in his food delivery job when he was detained by police. She also insisted the man in the view was not her son-in-law.
Brenna Cooper