TUCSON, Ariz. — Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos defended the evidence that led to the detention of a man in the Nancy Guthrie investigation, stating that a judge approved the probable cause for the warrant. The sheriff emphasized that while some individuals have been eliminated from suspicion, it does not mean they are permanently ruled out. Nanos remarked, "From what we have in front of us, the evidence, the DNA, the whatever, the videos... it’s like any [criminal case], because you're eliminated doesn't mean you didn't do it. It doesn't mean that we can't get more information."
The man, Carlos Palazuelos, has submitted a $3.25 million notice of claim against the sheriff's department, alleging he was targeted without probable cause and held for hours before being released without charges. The notice claims that the warrant naming him was based on "false or baseless evidence."
Sheriff Nanos explained that the search warrants were based on information suggesting a potential connection to Guthrie's disappearance, stating, "We had information that made us believe that there’s a potential that Nancy’s there, or there’s a potential the bad guy’s there."
Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's Savannah Guthrie, is dependent on heart medication, which has increased the urgency of the investigation. Nanos noted that no suspects have been publicly identified, but investigators are continuing to analyze evidence, including DNA and video footage. He encouraged anyone with information to come forward, stating, "We believe, just as the family does, just as Savannah does, somebody knows something."
Palazuelos was the first person publicly identified as detained in the case. Another individual, Luke Daly, was also detained but has not been charged. The sheriff confirmed that while some individuals have been ruled out for now, new evidence could change the focus of the investigation at any time.