Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: SAVANNAH GUTHRIE MOM MISSING: DAY 11 - MAN DETAINED FOR QUESTIONING AND RELEASED

Date: February 11, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline

Main Theme & Episode Overview

This episode delves into the latest developments in the high-profile disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of journalist Savannah Guthrie, missing for 11 days. The episode breaks down two major threads:

1. A new ransom note sent to TMZ, involving a demand for one bitcoin in exchange for the alleged identity of the kidnapper.
2. The dramatic catch-and-release detainment of a man suspected in the case after a SWAT raid, followed by his subsequent release after questioning.

An expert panel discusses the legitimacy of recent ransom communications, the details of law enforcement’s search, the legalities of the man’s detainment, digital forensic aspects of the case, and behavioral profiling of the possible perpetrator.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Latest Ransom Note & Bitcoin Demand (00:03 – 11:49)

• Third Ransom Note Emerges:

  • A new letter was delivered to TMZ, offering Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapper’s identity for one bitcoin (~$66,000), different from the earlier $60M ransom.

  • The sender claims unsuccessful attempts to contact Savannah's siblings, Annie and Cameron, via text/email.

    "It doesn't seem to be coming from the actual kidnappers. Instead, this is someone offering to give up information about the kidnappers...I want one bitcoin to the following wallet."
    — Dave Mack (01:16)

• Expert Skepticism:

  • Panel members raise strong doubts about the legitimacy of the ransom demand, noting its proximity to the FBI's $50,000 reward and lack of proof of life.

  • The note could be an opportunistic fake with no real connection to the kidnapping.

    "It just does not pass the smell test for me."
    — Matthew Lopez, Defense Attorney (08:29)

    "With all the media attention...I have serious doubts that this new note to TMZ is, in fact, authentic."
    — Brian Fitzgibbons, Investigator (10:21)

2. Law Enforcement Action: The Catch and Release Suspect (11:49 – 20:31)

• SWAT Deployment and Man Detained:

  • The FBI and SWAT raided the home of Carlos Palazuelos, a delivery driver with access to the neighborhood, after public tip-offs following the release of porch surveillance footage.

  • Palazuelos was detained, his house and car thoroughly searched under warrant, hostage negotiators were on standby, but ultimately he was released due to a lack of evidence.

    "Within a matter of minutes, the SWAT team gets loaded up...They search his house, they searched his garage."
    — Dave Mack (13:04)

    "He is a delivery driver. He drops off packages directly in Nancy Guthrie's neighborhood...he fits the similarities in the description."
    — Jessica Finn, US Sun (18:51)

• Legal Distinction Between Detainment and Arrest:

  • Lopez explains Miranda rights are only triggered under custodial interrogation and actual arrest; Palazuelos' rights were read after two hours but he was not arrested.

    "If he's free to go, they don't have to read the Miranda...So he's a person of interest."
    — Matthew Lopez (16:03)

3. Analysis of Surveillance & Digital Forensics (23:23 – 43:32)

• Savannah Guthrie's Plea:

  • Savannah’s emotional video plea is played. She urges the public for continued vigilance and tips, reiterating belief that Nancy is still alive.

    "We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help."
    — Savannah Guthrie (23:23)

• Digital Forensics & Surveillance Video:

  • The FBI obtained doorbell cam footage from Nancy Guthrie’s Nest device, with forensic expert Lee Neubecker discussing government access to cloud-stored surveillance video, even without user subscriptions.

    "Assume that anytime we're in front of a camera that those feeds are going somewhere...the government has an advantage."
    — Lee New Becker, Digital Forensics CEO (36:11, 41:10)

• Blockchain and Bitcoin Traceability:

  • Discussion of how bitcoin, though perceived as untraceable, can be tracked via blockchain analysis. Law enforcement is likely monitoring wallet movement, and eventual cash-out could help catch the culprit.

    "There is a huge misconception that bitcoin cannot be traced. Nothing could be further from the truth."
    — Nancy Grace (38:12)

    "Eventually you can go back to a source and you have an IP address...They can find things out."
    — Lee New Becker (41:10)

4. Behavioral, Physical & Evidence Analysis (24:54 – 56:44)

• Perpetrator Profile Discussion:

  • The only front-porch video stills suggest a man, possibly with effeminate features (thin eyebrows, long lashes), wearing winter gear and a balaclava.

  • Behavioral analyst Dr. Bethany Marshall discusses the dichotomy between the fluent, sophisticated ransom note and the bumbling manner of the masked intruder—a possible sign of multiple perpetrators.

    "The thin nature of the eyebrows...the lashes, the eyebrows do give an effeminate appearance."
    — Nancy Grace (29:01)

    "That sophistication could be present for the person doing this...the ransom note sent to TMZ and this action may be completely separate."
    — Brian Fitzgibbons (53:07, 53:51)

• Physical Evidence (Clothing & Items):

  • Detailed analysis of perp’s gear (Ozark Trail Walmart backpack, unique zip jacket, gray balaclava, bite light common among aviators).

  • The FBI, web sleuths, and the panel focus on these items as possible leads.

    "This is why the FBI has released this video, is there may be a person...that recognizes these items."
    — Brian Fitzgibbons (50:04)

• On-the-Ground Law Enforcement Tactics:

  • FBI collects neighborhood surveillance footage, especially around Annie Guthrie’s home, in hopes of identifying vehicles and resident-aligned clues.

    "There was a lot of door knocking from the FBI...asking for everybody's surveillance cameras."
    — Jessica Finn (50:46)

5. Open Questions & Theories

• Disconnection Between Ransom Notes and Actual Kidnapper:

  • The ransom communications may be from opportunists, rather than the true perpetrator.

  • Possibility of multiple people involved—distinction between a sophisticated planner and a “foot soldier” who carried out the abduction.

    "It's very unlikely that the porch guy himself had anything to do with orchestrating that ransom demand."
    — Brian Fitzgibbons (56:28)

• Call for Public Help:

  • Listeners are urged to provide any tips to FBI hotlines, and the newly established case website is shared (fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/nancy-guthrie).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Fake Ransom Notes:

  "We have no reason to believe that the original ransom was even true. So why should we believe that this second demand for one bitcoin, there's some legitimacy to it?"
  — Matthew Lopez (08:29)

• On the SWAT Raid:

  "They had hostage negotiators on standby a few blocks away. They really believed that Nancy was somewhere nearby. And then hopes dashed..."
  — Nancy Grace (14:39)

• On Public’s Role & Savannah’s Plea:

  "This guy is pulled over because the public helped...So that gives me hope that there are people and homes in this neighborhood who are trying to solve this crime."
  — Dr. Bethany Marshall (27:48)

• On Bitcoin & The Dark Web:

  "There is a huge misconception that bitcoin cannot be traced. Nothing could be further from the truth."
  — Nancy Grace (38:12)

• On Disjointed Actions of Perpetrators:

  "It's very unlikely that the porch guy himself had anything to do with orchestrating that ransom demand, that this is just merely a foot soldier executing this operation."
  — Brian Fitzgibbons (56:28)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:03 – Introduction to new ransom note and summary of recent developments
• 01:16 – Dave Mack details the third ransom note and bitcoin request
• 03:57 – Jessica Finn summarizes timeline of ransom communications
• 07:50 – Matthew Lopez, defense attorney, analyzes the credibility of ransom demands
• 13:04 – Dave Mack breaks down the SWAT action and night raid
• 16:03 – Legal explanation of detainment vs arrest (Miranda Rights)
• 23:23 – Savannah Guthrie’s recorded video plea
• 29:01 – Dr. Bethany Marshall analyzes porch surveillance images
• 36:11 – Lee New Becker on digital forensics, Nest video, and government surveillance
• 41:10 – Explaining blockchain and tracing bitcoin for ransom
• 50:04 – Brian Fitzgibbons on how FBI/public can use clothing/evidence for leads
• 53:51 – Fitzgibbons theorizes about the possible separation of note-writer and actual kidnapper

Conclusion & Next Steps

• Investigation Ongoing: Authorities are pursuing leads based on digital evidence, physical clues, and public tips.
• Public Participation Crucial: FBI hotlines and web portals are open for any information; Savannah’s heartfelt message urges continued vigilance.
• Key Theories: The case may involve multiple perpetrators with different roles; some ransom notes could be scams rather than real communications from the kidnapper.
• Law Enforcement Focus: Identification of vehicles, connections among area workers, and further blockchain analysis may lead to new breakthroughs.

FBI Tip Lines:

• General: 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324)
• Anonymous: 520-882-7463

FBI Case Website:
fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/nancy-guthrie

Final Note:
Nancy Grace closes with a tribute to fallen officer Jonah Hernandez and reiterates the urgency of the search, calling for continued community engagement and scrutiny of all leads.