Key facts
- Two men detained during the Nancy Guthrie disappearance investigation are suing Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos for wrongful arrest.
- The lawsuit seeks a total of $3.25 million in damages.
- Carlos Palazuelos claims $2.5 million for alleged wrongful arrest, reputational harm, and property damage.
- Daniel Maddox seeks $500,000 for wrongful arrest, and his mother is claiming $250,000 for property damage.
- Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC's Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since February 1.
Two men who were detained and questioned in the early stages of the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC's "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, have announced their intention to file a $3.25 million wrongful arrest lawsuit against Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and a detective.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Tucson, Arizona, home on February 1. Authorities, including the FBI, believe she was kidnapped, but despite leads and evidence of a struggle, no trace of her or suspects have been found. The investigation has now passed the six-month mark.
Carlos Palazuelos, who was detained on February 10 and released without charge, is seeking $2.5 million. He alleges wrongful arrest, reputational damage, and that his home was "ransacked." Daniel Maddox, who was handcuffed and questioned outside his mother's home, which was also searched, is seeking $500,000. His mother is claiming an additional $250,000 for property damage.
Sheriff Nanos had previously faced scrutiny over his handling of the case, including a dispute with the FBI over allegations of withholding evidence. Nanos has denied these claims and stated that inaccurate information harms the investigation. Savannah Guthrie recently shared a video expressing her family's ongoing agony over her mother's disappearance.