Two men sue Arizona sheriff over detentions in Nancy Guthrie disappearance investigation

Carlos Palazuelos and Daniel Maddox have filed notices of claim against Sheriff Chris Nanos and a detective

Two men who were detained and later released during the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, are preparing to sue Arizona authorities, alleging they were wrongfully arrested and that their reputations and property were damaged during the high-profile case.

According to court documents obtained by NBC affiliate KVOA and reported by Rolling Stone, Carlos Palazuelos and Daniel Maddox have filed notices of claim against Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and a detective involved in the investigation. The notices, which are a legal precursor to a lawsuit, seek a combined $3.25 million in damages.

Palazuelos is seeking $2.5 million, claiming he suffered reputational harm, emotional distress and financial losses after he was detained and his home searched in February. Maddox is seeking $500,000, while his mother, Josefina Maddox, is requesting an additional $250,000, alleging her home was damaged during a law enforcement search.

The legal action comes nearly six months after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home in Tucson, Arizona. Authorities believe she was abducted after investigators discovered blood evidence at the property, but despite an extensive investigation involving local authorities and the FBI, no arrests have been made and Guthrie has not been found.

Sheriff Nanos has defended the investigation, saying the case remains active and stressing that releasing individuals without charges does not necessarily mean they have been cleared. Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie has continued to make public appeals for information, describing her mother's disappearance as "a nightmare that will not end".