UPDATE: The Pima County Sheriff’s Office, working with the FBI, announced Tuesday night that they have taken a person into custody for questioning in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie. The man was released several hours later, according to CBS News and the New York Times.
The man, who gave his name only as Carlos, told reporters after his release that he did not know who Nancy Guthrie was and was shocked to be detained. “I didn’t do anything. … I’m innocent,” he said.
Authorities have not confirmed that he is a person of interest or that the detained subject has been released, but a sheriff’s department spokesperson confirmed to the New York Times that “the search of the Rio Rico property where the individual was being held has been completed.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office said the person was taken into custody during a traffic stop south of Tucson, Arizona. Officials told ABC that law enforcement was preparing to search locations associated with the detainees. There was no indication whether the person shown in the entrance photo released Tuesday morning was a detainee.
Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s personal tragedy has been brought into the spotlight after Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her Arizona home on January 31st, sparking an intensive investigation.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office characterized the disappearance as a crime on February 2 after investigators found “concerning” evidence at Nancy’s home. Sheriff Chris Nanos said he believed Nancy “did not leave on her own.” Authorities have not identified a suspect and received notes purporting to be ransom demands with deadlines set for Friday, February 6th and Monday, February 9th.
Savannah shared a message on Instagram on Monday as the search for her missing mother enters its second week. “We are in a time of despair,” she said in a video message.
Former co-anchor Hoda Kotb also returned to the “Today” show on Monday, appearing alongside Craig Melvin while Savannah remained in Arizona with her family. “We are a family and we show up for each other,” Kotb said during the broadcast.
The FBI on Thursday offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery “and/or the arrest and conviction of those involved in her disappearance.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Heiss Janke said agents are “working around the clock” with local authorities.
On Saturday, the Guthrie brothers posted another video announcing their intention to pay the ransom. “We received your message and we understand,” Savannah said, sitting next to brothers Camron and Annie. “Please give our mother back to us so we can celebrate together. We will pay because this is so precious to us.”
This followed an emotional video shared to Instagram on Wednesday asking for proof that the brother is alive. “She is 84 years old, and her health and spirit are fragile,” Savannah said. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.”
