Man released after questioning in connection with Nancy Guthrie disappearance
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A sign is posted at the house of Nancy Guthrie, NBC host Savannah Guthrie's mother, on Feb. 3 in Catalina, Arizona. Photo: Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images
A man whom police questioned in connection with the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, was released from custody, according to multiple reports.
The latest: The FBI and local law enforcement questioned the man and searched a location some 60 miles south of Tucson and near the U.S. border with Mexico, in connection with the Guthrie case. The "Today" show co-host's 84-year-old mother was reported missing from her home outside of Tucson, Arizona, more than a week ago.
- The search concluded early Wednesday morning, the sheriff's department told The New York Times.
- A man who lives at the home that law enforcement searched told The Times, NBC, CNN and others that he was the person detained and that he was released after several hours of questioning.
- "I hope they get the suspect, because I'm not it," he told reporters.
What they're saying: FBI Director Kash Patel said on Fox News' "Hannity" Tuesday night that investigators were looking at more than one person of interest.
- Patel said hat without wanting to pollute the investigation, "I will say we have made substantial progress in these last 36, 48 hours thanks to the technical capabilities of the FBI and our partnerships," adding: "I do believe we are looking at people who, as we say, are persons of interest."
- The FBI directed Axios' request for information to the sheriff's department, which did not immediately respond on Tuesday evening.
The intrigue: The detainment came hours after law enforcement shared photos of a masked individual outside of Guthrie's front door the morning she disappeared. Authorities did not immediately say whether they believed the detained person was the same as the masked individual in the images.
- Patel said on X that the images were recovered from "residual data in backend systems" that "may have been lost, corrupted, or inaccessible due to a variety of factors — including the removal of recording devices."
Catch up quick: Guthrie was last seen on Jan. 31 when a family member dropped her off at her Catalina Foothills home, according to law enforcement. She was reported missing the following day.
- Law enforcement had offered a $50,000 reward for information in the case.
Of note: Multiple ransom letters were sent to TV stations last week and Savannah Guthrie and her siblings on Feb. 7 posted a video saying, "We received your message and we understand ... this is very valuable to us, and we will pay."
- Law enforcement has not confirmed the legitimacy of the demand letters, which had a final compliance deadline of Feb. 9 at 5pm.
- Shortly before that deadline, Savannah Guthrie posted another video asking the public to continue submitting tips.
What we're watching: Law enforcement is asking the public to continue reporting tips at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Go deeper: Savannah Guthrie asks for public's help
Editor's note: This story was updated with additional developments.
