The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has taken another unexpected turn as two men who were briefly detained during the case are now seeking $3.25 million in damages from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

Attorneys representing Carlos Palazuelos, Daniel Maddox, and Maddox’s mother, Josefina, filed a formal notice of claim on July 27, alleging wrongful detention, defamation, and property damage. The filing comes nearly six months after Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, on February 1. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the case.

According to the claim obtained by PEOPLE, deputies detained Palazuelos on February 10, holding him for approximately seven to eight hours without probable cause.

The filing argues that the detention was carried out publicly in a way that damaged Palazuelos’ reputation by creating the impression that he was connected to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

The claim further alleges that investigators lacked sufficient evidence to justify the detention and failed to publicly acknowledge their mistake afterward, leaving Palazuelos to face ongoing public suspicion and emotional distress.

The notice also describes the detention of Daniel Maddox, who was reportedly home alone playing video games when deputies entered the residence. According to the filing, officers pointed firearms at him, placed him in handcuffs, and held him inside a police vehicle for several hours.

Meanwhile, Maddox’s mother claims deputies caused extensive damage while searching her home in Rio Rico, Arizona, including breaking the front door and doorframe, damaging paint and ceiling tiles, and forcing open the attic entrance.

The attorneys are seeking $3.25 million to resolve the claims.

Coincidentally, the legal filing was submitted on the same day that Savannah Guthrie shared an emotional video message on Instagram, once again pleading for information about her missing mother.

“It has been months since our mom was taken from us,” Savannah said. “Our family is living through a nightmare that has not ended. Nothing about our situation has changed.”

She said her family remains committed to searching for Nancy and urged anyone with information to come forward.

“I truly believe it’s never too late to do the right thing,” she said. “Please help us find her. Tell us where to look. Help bring this to an end for all of us.”

Savannah concluded her message with a heartfelt appeal:

“No matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, I believe there is always a way home. Please make the right choice.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department declined to comment on the pending claim.

Source: People