Only Three Detained? Renewed Questions After Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance

The limited number of early detainments in the investigation into 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has renewed scrutiny of law enforcement’s handling of the case. Guthrie vanished from her Tucson, Arizona, home nearly six months ago, and the pace and direction of the probe have drawn public and media attention.

Who Was Detained—and Why?

Arizona true-crime reporter Briana Whitney told the Crime Junkie podcast that three people were detained during the first month of the investigation but were later released. According to Whitney, the individuals included a DoorDash driver identified only as "Carlos," who reportedly lived about an hour south of Guthrie’s home, and neighbors Mary and Luke Daley, who live near the property. All three say they do not know why they were questioned.

Doorbell Footage and the So-Called "Porch Guy"

Soon after Guthrie’s disappearance, doorbell camera footage circulated showing an armed, masked man standing at her front door. Authorities have not publicly identified that individual, and some observers online have suggested a resemblance between the person in the footage—often called the "Porch Guy"—and Luke Daley. Luke has denied that he is the person seen in the video.

Forensic Evidence and Ongoing Testing

Law enforcement conducted an extensive forensic response at Guthrie’s residence. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office reported that blood found outside the front door was later matched to Nancy Guthrie. Investigators also recovered additional DNA evidence from inside and around the property, including a glove similar to those worn by the masked figure in the footage. Whitney said testing of mixed DNA profiles recovered from the home is still ongoing as laboratories work to separate contributors and identify possible matches.

Ransom Notes and Allegations

Several ransom notes addressed to Guthrie’s daughter, NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, surfaced after the disappearance. In one letter read on the podcast, the author claimed Nancy was being held for ransom, gave a Bitcoin wallet address, and set a deadline (reported as Monday, Feb. 9) warning that Nancy would be killed if payment was not made.

"Hello, Savannah. We have your mother, Nancy. She is safe but scared. She will be held for ransom, and once payment is received, she will be released unharmed. We will be holding her for a maximum of seven days."

The note included specific details about Guthrie’s home—such as a white smartwatch reportedly near the bed and a damaged floodlight in the backyard—that were not widely publicized. Authorities, including the FBI, are investigating the authenticity of the letters and following all leads.

Questions Remain

Critics and members of the public continue to question whether the limited early detainments and the pace of some investigative steps were sufficient. Investigators say they are continuing forensic testing and following leads as the case remains open.

Sources: Reporting by Briana Whitney on the Crime Junkie podcast, statements from the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, and contemporaneous news coverage.