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The search for Nancy Guthrie has now sparked a legal battle. Carlos Palazuelos, a delivery driver who says he was wrongfully detained during the investigation, has filed a notice of claim against the Pima County Sheriff's Department, Sheriff Chris Nanos, and Detective Earl Gieron.
Palazuelos alleges deputies pulled him over at gunpoint on February 10 while following leads in Guthrie's disappearance. He says he was handcuffed, held for more than seven hours, and later released without charges.
His legal team claims officers "invaded and ransacked" his Rio Rico home, leaving behind cracked door frames, holes in walls and ceilings, and other damage. Photos provided by his attorneys show scuffed doors and what appears to be a fist‑shaped hole in the wall.
The notice of claim seeks at least $2.5 million for Palazuelos. Two relatives present at the time, Daniel and Josefina Maddox, are also pursuing damages of $500,000 and $250,000 respectively. Together, the claims total more than $3.25 million.
Palazuelos accuses the department of assault, false arrest, defamation, and property damage. He also argues the warrant used to detain him was "obtained through deceptive or misleading representations" and lacked probable cause.
His attorneys say the incident caused physical, emotional, and reputational harm, and that the sheriff's office has refused to clear his name publicly.
Sheriff Nanos has declined to comment on the pending litigation but reiterated that "no one has been cleared in this case." The investigation into Guthrie's disappearance remains active.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing on February 1 after returning home from a family game night. Authorities believe she was abducted from her Arizona home.
Ransom notes later claimed she died "shortly" after being taken due to health complications, though investigators have not confirmed this.
Six months on, no suspects have been identified.
As the search continues, Palazuelos and his family say they are determined to hold the sheriff's department accountable for what they describe as a wrongful detention and needless destruction inside their home.
