FBI agents scour rugged Arizona desert terrain on day 11 of the desperate search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, abducted from her home without life-saving medications, as over 4,000 public tips flood investigators.
Story Snapshot
- 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished from Tucson home on February 1, 2026, captured partially on Nest camera by masked intruder with possible gun.
- FBI Director Kash Patel releases chilling doorbell footage, prompting massive 4,000+ tip surge in 24 hours.
- Intensive searches comb Catalina Foothills roadways and thick desert; person of interest Carlos Palazuelos detained and released from border-proximate Rio Rico.
- SWAT deployed signals high-risk case; family homes repeatedly searched, highlighting urgency for elderly victim without medications.
Timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her Catalina Foothills home in Tucson, Arizona, on February 1, 2026, after missing a weekly church livestream group. Pima County Sheriff’s Department reported her absence that day, launching initial home searches. Family properties faced scrutiny, including daughter Annie Guthrie’s home on February 4 and intensive consented search on February 7. FBI rejoined on February 6 evening, examining the roof and towing a blue SUV from the scene.
FBI Releases Key Surveillance Footage
On February 11, FBI released doorbell camera images from Guthrie’s Nest system, recovered through Google collaboration. Footage shows a masked individual wearing gloves, backpack, and possibly a holstered gun entering mid-night. Canvassing intensified in Annie Guthrie’s neighborhood that day. FBI Director Kash Patel personally shared the evidence, underscoring national priority in this high-profile abduction. Profilers analyze gait and speed to narrow timelines.
Person of interest Carlos Palazuelos faced detention in Rio Rico, about one hour south near the Mexico border, with his home searched under warrant. Authorities released him after cooperation, denying involvement. He stated, “I didn’t do anything… I’m innocent,” expressing hope for resolution. Unclear details link him to footage, but proximity raised flags amid rugged terrain searches.
Day 11 Desert and Roadway Searches Intensify
February 12 brought FBI teams combing thick desert terrain and canvassing roadways in Catalina Foothills. Over 4,000 calls overwhelmed the tip line in 24 hours, prompting thanks from Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI. They urged actionable leads to 1-800-CALL-FBI. Hundreds of detectives from Phoenix FBI Field Office deployed, including SWAT for high-risk scenarios. Former FBI agent Jeff Harp noted SWAT signals a “very serious and dangerous” case.
Expert Paul Mauro highlighted FBI fielding thousands of tips with precise evidence handling. Ex-agent Pack emphasized video details aiding profilers, anticipating suspect mistakes. Multi-agency effort strains resources in Tucson border region, boosting home security awareness via tech forensics like Nest recovery. Guthrie remains missing without medications, heightening family health crisis and community alerts.
FBI combs through thick desert terrain in search for clues in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearancehttps://t.co/o16kix6PhQ pic.twitter.com/DDAwOMpSR2
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 12, 2026
Impacts on Family and Community
Guthrie family endures emotional toll, amplified by Savannah Guthrie’s “Today” show prominence. Tucson residents face traffic cautions from searches; Rio Rico saw disruptions post-Palazuelos release. Short-term heightened border-area alerts protect vulnerable elderly, aligning with priorities under President Trump’s law enforcement focus. Long-term, tech precedents could aid future cases if resolved, though unresolved risks erode public trust.
Sources:
CBS News live updates on Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Fox News: Nancy Guthrie case – all known properties searched
Fox News video on Nancy Guthrie case
