Person Detained for Questioning in Connection With Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance Appears to Be Released

UPDATED: The Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced on X Tuesday night that it, in collaboration with the FBI, has detained a person for questioning in connection with the disappearance of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie‘s 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie. A man claiming to be that person then said he was released several hours later, according to CBS News.

The man, identified only as Carlos, spoke to reporters after his apparent release and said he doesn’t know who Nancy Guthrie is and was shocked to be detained. “I didn’t do anything. … I’m innocent,” he said.

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Authorities have not confirmed that he was the person of interest or that the subject detained has been released.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the person was detained south of Tucson, Ariz. during a traffic stop. Authorities told ABC that law enforcement is preparing to search a location in relation to the detainee. There was no indication whether the detainee was the individual in the front door photos released on Tuesday morning.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her Arizona home on Jan. 31, triggering an intensive investigation that has brought “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s personal tragedy into the public eye.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office declared the disappearance a crime on Feb. 2 after investigators discovered “concerning” evidence at Nancy’s home. Sheriff Chris Nanos said he believed Nancy “did not leave on her own.” Authorities have not identified any suspects, and they received an alleged ransom note with deadlines set for Friday, Feb. 6, and Monday, Feb. 9.

Savannah shared a message Monday on Instagram as the search for her missing mother entered its second week. “We’re at an hour of desperation,” she said in the video message.

Former co-anchor Hoda Kotb also returned to the “Today” show on Monday, filling in alongside Craig Melvin while Savannah remained with her family in Arizona. “We are a family, and we show up for each other,” Kotb said during the broadcast.

The FBI offered a $50,000 reward Thursday for information leading to Nancy’s recovery “and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said agents are “working day and night” with local authorities.

On Saturday, the Guthrie siblings posted another video expressing their willingness to pay a ransom. “We received your message, and we understand,” Savannah said, sitting beside by siblings Camron and Annie. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

This followed an emotional video shared to Instagram on Wednesday in which the siblings pleaded for proof of life. “She’s 84 years old. Her health, her heart, is fragile,” Savannah said. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.”