A delivery driver who was briefly detained in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has been released without charges, authorities confirmed, as the search for the missing mother continues into its eleventh day. Thirty-six-year-old Carlos Palazuelos was taken into custody on February 10 while making deliveries in Arizona. Investigators questioned him for several hours before ultimately determining that there was not enough evidence to hold him. The case has drawn significant public attention due to Nancy’s connection to TODAY co-host Savannah Guthrie, though officials have emphasized that the investigation is being handled with the same urgency and care as any missing persons case. Law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels remain involved, and authorities continue to urge anyone with relevant information to come forward.

According to police, Palazuelos came to their attention as part of routine investigative work, which has included reviewing delivery records, surveillance footage, and neighborhood activity from the day Nancy disappeared. Officers located him during his work shift and conducted what they described as a voluntary interview after initially detaining him. Palazuelos later told reporters he was confused and frightened when he was approached by law enforcement but said he cooperated fully. He stated that he had no prior knowledge of Nancy Guthrie or her daughter and had never knowingly interacted with them beyond possibly delivering a package. After hours of questioning, authorities released him, confirming that he was not being charged with any crime at this time.

Palazuelos maintained his innocence in comments to the media, explaining that he agreed to answer investigators’ questions because he wanted to clear his name as quickly as possible. He said the experience was overwhelming but expressed understanding of the pressure police are under to solve the case. “I have nothing to hide,” he reportedly said, reiterating that he had no involvement in Nancy’s disappearance. He acknowledged that he may have delivered a package to Nancy’s address on the day she went missing but insisted that such deliveries are routine and that he does not typically have contact with recipients beyond leaving items at the door. Friends and family members have also spoken publicly in his defense, describing him as hardworking and law-abiding.

DoorDash, the delivery company Palazuelos works for, released a statement confirming that it has been in contact with law enforcement officials and is prepared to assist in any way necessary. The company said it takes matters involving customer safety very seriously and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. In its statement, DoorDash also extended sympathy to the Guthrie family, calling the situation deeply distressing. Company representatives encouraged anyone with credible information related to Nancy’s disappearance to contact authorities immediately. Law enforcement officials have not indicated that the company itself is under investigation, but as part of standard procedure, they have reviewed delivery logs and other relevant data.

Meanwhile, investigators revealed that ransom notes demanding cryptocurrency payments have surfaced in connection with the case. Authorities said the notes did not include direct threats of harm but requested digital currency in exchange for information or the safe return of Nancy. Officials have not disclosed how the notes were delivered or whether they believe them to be credible. The FBI has joined the investigation and recently released images of a masked individual appearing to tamper with a doorbell camera near Nancy’s residence around the time she vanished. The images, captured by neighborhood surveillance, show a person partially obscured by clothing, and investigators are working to determine the individual’s identity and whether they are directly connected to the disappearance.

As the investigation continues, authorities say they are pursuing multiple leads and carefully evaluating all available evidence. Search efforts remain active, with officers canvassing neighborhoods, reviewing digital data, and interviewing potential witnesses. Community members have organized volunteer efforts and vigils in support of the family, hoping for Nancy’s safe return. Law enforcement officials stress that the case remains open and fluid, and they caution against speculation while they work to piece together the timeline of events. They have reiterated their appeal for the public to share any tips, no matter how minor they may seem, as even small details could prove crucial in determining what happened and bringing clarity to a case that has left many searching for answers.