RIO RICO, Ariz. — A person has been detained for questioning in connection with the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, following the release of surveillance footage featuring a masked individual outside her residence just before she went missing. The authorities executed a traffic stop south of Tucson, which led to the detention by the Pima County Sheriff's Department, though details regarding the suspect remain scarce.
In a twist, a delivery man who was questioned on suspicion of involvement claimed he was innocent and was released after several hours. The law enforcement agencies are yet to confirm any developments regarding the person detained.
On Tuesday, investigators searched a location in Rio Rico, roughly an hour's drive from Tuscon, indicating a significant escalation in the investigation which has captivated the nation since Guthrie’s disappearance.
Video footage, released by the FBI, shows the masked suspect at Guthrie's doorstep, raising concerns about her welfare. Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's Savannah Guthrie, was last seen at her home on Jan. 31. Despite early fears about her health and safety, authorities had not managed to make any notable progress in the investigation until now.
Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have publicly appealed for their mother's return, hoping to encourage any potential leads while expressing readiness to pay a ransom if necessary.
The troubling situation has heightened tensions in the tight-knit community of Rio Rico, and authorities are utilizing door-to-door inquiries alongside heightened investigative measures to track down leads. As the situation develops, families and friends remain hopeful that Nancy Guthrie will be found safe.
