Man detained in Nancy Guthrie abduction case released after questioning as search continues

Officials have not publicly identified the detained man as a suspect in Guthrie's disappearance

A man who was detained by law enforcement in connection with the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has been released after being questioned, authorities said. The detention took place during a traffic stop in Arizona as investigators continued to pursue leads in the high-profile case.

Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on January 31 at her home in Tucson. Authorities believe she was taken against her will. Investigators previously confirmed that blood matching her DNA was discovered at the scene, and surveillance footage showed a masked, armed individual outside her residence shortly before she vanished.

The man who was held for questioning was released without charges after several hours. Officials have not publicly identified him as a suspect, and law enforcement has not confirmed any direct link between him and the masked individual captured on video.

As part of the investigation, authorities executed a court-authorized search tied to the detained individual and collected electronic devices for further examination. Officials emphasized that the case remains active and ongoing.

The FBI has offered a reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or an arrest. In recent days, ransom notes demanding cryptocurrency payments were reportedly sent to media outlets, though authorities have not verified the legitimacy of those communications.

Savannah Guthrie has publicly appealed for her mother’s safe return as investigators continue to analyze evidence and follow up on tips in the search effort.

Authorities have reiterated that being detained for questioning does not imply guilt, and no arrests have been announced at this time.