Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping 2026: Delivery Driver Released as FBI Hunts Bitcoin Ransom

Breaking: Suspect Released in High-Profile NBC Anchor Mother Kidnapping

In a dramatic development in the high-profile kidnapping cases of 2026, a delivery driver detained in connection with the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC 'Today' show anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been released without charges. The case, which has captivated national attention since Guthrie's disappearance on January 31, 2026, took another twist as Carlos Palazuelos, a 36-year-old DoorDash driver, was freed after several hours in police custody in Arizona.

What Happened to Nancy Guthrie?

Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old Tucson resident and mother of prominent journalist Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her home in the early hours of February 1, 2026. The investigation revealed disturbing details: doorbell camera footage showed a masked, armed individual tampering with Guthrie's security system, her pacemaker connection was severed, and blood matching her DNA was found on her porch. The case quickly escalated when ransom notes demanding $6 million in Bitcoin began appearing at media outlets.

The Carlos Palazuelos Detention and Release

Carlos Palazuelos, a delivery driver working for DoorDash and other parcel services in Tucson, was detained during a traffic stop south of Tucson on February 11, 2026. According to his account to media outlets, police held him for approximately two hours without reading his rights and conducted extensive searches of his vehicle, home, and another parked vehicle at his Rio Rico residence.

'I have maybe delivered a package to her house,' Palazuelos told reporters. 'But I have never kidnapped anyone. I hope they catch the suspect, but it's not me.'

Authorities released Palazuelos without filing charges, leaving the investigation back at square one. The Pima County Sheriff's Office and FBI have not commented on his release or whether he remains a person of interest.

The $6 Million Bitcoin Ransom Demand

The kidnappers have made unprecedented demands in this case, requesting $6 million in Bitcoin cryptocurrency for Guthrie's safe return. Two deadlines have passed - one on Thursday, February 6, and a more critical one on Monday, February 10 - with no indication the ransom was paid. Experts note that while Bitcoin transactions can be completed in minutes, they are not as anonymous as many criminals believe.

Cryptocurrency in Kidnapping Cases

This case highlights the growing trend of criminals using cryptocurrency in ransom demands. According to cybersecurity experts, Bitcoin offers pseudonymity but not complete anonymity. Law enforcement agencies have developed sophisticated blockchain analysis tools that can trace cryptocurrency transactions, making it increasingly difficult for criminals to remain undetected.

In a curious development, the Bitcoin wallet associated with the ransom demand received a mysterious $152 payment (0.0022 BTC) on Tuesday evening, February 11. The source of this transaction remains unknown, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.

FBI Investigation and Surveillance Evidence

The FBI has taken a leading role in the investigation, releasing surveillance footage showing a masked individual outside Guthrie's home on the morning of her disappearance. The footage reveals a suspect wearing a mask, carrying a backpack, and holding what appears to be a handgun. The individual is seen noticing the doorbell camera and attempting to obscure it with brush before the camera goes offline.

Family's Emotional Appeals

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have made multiple public appeals for their mother's safe return. In emotional video statements, they've expressed willingness to pay the ransom but have requested proof of life from the kidnappers. 'We believe our mother is alive and we would pay for her safe return,' the family stated in one appeal.

The Guthrie family tragedy has drawn parallels to other celebrity family kidnappings, highlighting the unique vulnerabilities faced by public figures and their families. Savannah Guthrie, who co-anchors one of America's most-watched morning news programs, has stepped back from her professional duties, including NBC's 2026 Winter Olympics coverage, to focus on her family during this crisis.

What Makes This Case Unique?

Several factors distinguish the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping from typical abduction cases:

• High-Profile Victim: As the mother of a nationally recognized journalist, the case has received unprecedented media attention
• Cryptocurrency Demand: The $6 million Bitcoin ransom represents one of the largest cryptocurrency demands in kidnapping history
• Medical Technology: The severing of Guthrie's pacemaker connection adds a medical dimension to the investigation
• Multiple Deadlines: Two ransom deadlines have passed without resolution, creating additional pressure on investigators

Current Status and Investigation Challenges

As of February 11, 2026, Nancy Guthrie remains missing, and investigators face several challenges:

1. No proof of life has been provided by the alleged kidnappers
2. The authenticity of the ransom notes remains unverified by authorities
3. The released suspect maintains his innocence and claims no knowledge of the victim
4. The Bitcoin wallet shows minimal activity, complicating financial tracking efforts

Law enforcement continues to analyze surveillance footage, forensic evidence from Guthrie's home, and digital traces that might lead to the perpetrators. The case has drawn resources from multiple agencies, including the FBI, Pima County Sheriff's Office, and local Tucson police.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Nancy Guthrie?

Nancy Guthrie is the 84-year-old mother of NBC 'Today' show anchor Savannah Guthrie. She disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona home on January 31, 2026, in what authorities believe was a kidnapping.

What is the ransom demand?

Kidnappers are demanding $6 million in Bitcoin cryptocurrency for Guthrie's safe return. Two deadlines have passed without confirmation that the ransom was paid.

Why was the delivery driver released?

Carlos Palazuelos, a 36-year-old DoorDash driver, was detained but released without charges after police found insufficient evidence to hold him. He maintains he had no involvement in the kidnapping.

How is Bitcoin involved in the case?

The kidnappers specified Bitcoin as the payment method, likely believing it offers anonymity. However, cryptocurrency transactions can be traced by law enforcement using blockchain analysis tools.

What evidence does the FBI have?

The FBI has released doorbell camera footage showing a masked, armed individual at Guthrie's home, along with forensic evidence including blood matching her DNA and evidence of forced entry.

Sources

NOS News Report
New York Post Coverage
Fox News Bitcoin Analysis
Savannah Guthrie Biography