Woman Testifies About Suspect in Nancy Guthrie Case – He Is Her Son-in-Law!

A quiet residential street in Rio Rico, Arizona, was thrust into the national spotlight this week after law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at a modest home as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.

The case, which has gripped Arizona for nearly two weeks, intensified when authorities received a tip suggesting that Nancy might be inside the Rio Rico residence. Officers responded swiftly, surrounding the property and conducting an extensive search. The dramatic scene marked another major development in a high-profile investigation that has drawn widespread public attention, in part because Nancy is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s Today.

The homeowner, identified as Josefina, later spoke publicly about the events that unfolded. She said officers informed her that someone had reported Nancy Guthrie could be inside her house. Josefina insisted she cooperated fully and gave investigators permission to search.

“They said they got a tip that the lady was in my house,” she explained. “I told them, go ahead and search. There is nobody here. I have nothing to hide.”

Josefina confirmed that her son-in-law, identified as Carlos, was detained during the investigation. However, she firmly denied that he had any involvement in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. According to her, the situation escalated quickly and left her family shaken.

In video clips that circulated on social media, Josefina described watching officers move in and out of her home, taking photographs and examining rooms. “They kept going in and out, taking pictures,” she said. “I didn’t know why.”

She stated that investigators showed her surveillance images recovered from Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson residence and asked whether the individual captured in the footage resembled her son-in-law. The images reportedly show a masked person outside Nancy’s home in the early morning hours of her disappearance.

“They showed me the picture,” Josefina said. When asked whether she believed it looked like Carlos, she responded, “No, it doesn’t look like him.”

Josefina also described returning home to find that her door had been forced open while she was away in Tucson. According to her account, officers were already inside conducting the search when she arrived. She said she was not immediately informed whether a warrant had been issued, though later reporting confirmed that law enforcement did, in fact, have an active search warrant for the property.

Reporter Brian Entin stated that he spoke directly with Josefina, who confirmed that electronic devices were seized during the search. The removal of phones, computers, or other digital equipment suggests investigators may be examining potential digital evidence, including communications or data that could be relevant to the timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

Despite the upheaval, Josefina expressed sympathy for Nancy’s family. “I’m sorry for what happened to the Guthries,” she said. “I don’t know them. I don’t know anything about their lives, but I’m sorry. Whoever took her, I hope she comes back safe.”

According to Josefina, her son-in-law works as a delivery driver, performing duties similar to services such as FedEx. She said he had never mentioned Nancy Guthrie and that she herself only became aware of the case after seeing it discussed online. She described the situation as overwhelming and confusing.

In another video clip, Josefina recounted the moment officers detained her son. “They broke my door. They went inside. My son was playing Nintendo. He had his headphones on,” she said. “They put him in handcuffs and took him outside.” The rapid sequence of events, she explained, left her family in shock.

Footage shared by KGUN9 showed a heavy police presence in Rio Rico during a traffic stop connected to the investigation. Multiple patrol vehicles surrounded the area, underscoring the seriousness of the inquiry and the level of resources being deployed.

As the story spread online, public reaction was immediate. Some commenters urged Josefina to seek legal counsel before speaking further. Others speculated about whether the search indicated a breakthrough in the case. Law enforcement officials, however, have not announced any formal charges against Carlos or any other individual connected to the Rio Rico property.

The broader investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains active. Authorities continue to analyze surveillance footage, examine ransom communications, and evaluate tips from the public. Two ransom deadlines demanding $6 million in bitcoin have already passed, though officials have not disclosed whether any contact with the alleged kidnappers is ongoing.

The release of surveillance images earlier in the week showed a masked and armed individual outside Nancy’s home, appearing to tamper with a video doorbell camera. Federal investigators stated that the footage was recovered through backend digital data after recording devices were removed or damaged. The images have sparked widespread speculation, though authorities have cautioned against drawing conclusions based on limited visual evidence.

The search of Josefina’s home represents one of several leads being pursued as investigators attempt to reconstruct the events of the night Nancy disappeared. Executing a search warrant does not necessarily imply guilt; it reflects law enforcement’s obligation to thoroughly examine any credible tip.

For the Rio Rico community, the sudden influx of officers and media attention has been unsettling. Neighbors who are accustomed to a quiet environment watched as patrol cars lined the street and investigators moved through the property. The normally calm neighborhood became, for a time, the focal point of a national story.

For Nancy’s family, the uncertainty continues. Savannah Guthrie has remained largely private during the ordeal, with limited public statements expressing gratitude for support and urging anyone with information to contact authorities. The emotional toll of the case is evident as the search extends into its second week.

Josefina, meanwhile, maintains that her son-in-law is innocent and hopes the investigation will ultimately clear his name. She said she wants the focus to remain on finding Nancy safely rather than on speculation about her family.

As investigators review the evidence collected from the Rio Rico property and other sources, officials emphasize that the case is far from resolved. No formal charges have been announced, and authorities continue to follow multiple leads.

For the community and for Nancy Guthrie’s loved ones, the wait for answers continues.