An Arizona man who was temporarily detained during a SWAT raid linked to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has spoken out for the first time, firmly denying any connection to the case. Luke Daley, 37, was held for four to five hours in the back of a Pima County Sheriff's Department vehicle on February 13 as officers executed a search warrant at his home and the FBI conducted a traffic stop on his Range Rover.
Detention and Release
Authorities soon determined that Daley was not the masked individual captured on the 84-year-old's Nest doorbell camera on the night she vanished, leading to his release. In an interview with 'True Crime Arizona' host Briana Whitney, posted to X on Monday, Daley stated, 'It's not me. I have nothing to do with this case.' He expressed confusion over why he was targeted in the investigation into the abduction of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie's mother, which occurred in the early hours of February 1.
Traffic Stop and Raid Details
Daley recounted that he was driving to his Tucson home on February 13 when he noticed two sheriff's vehicles tailing him. 'And once I saw FBI and all the other cars started pulling in, I was like, "Oh this is probably about the Guthrie case,"' he said. He initially believed clearing his name would be straightforward, but described the experience as stressful, feeling federal officers were on a 'fishing expedition' to elicit incriminating statements.
During his detention, Daley provided alibis and suggested officers check his phone location data, which he claimed would show no proximity to the crime scene. He admitted to panicking in the police car, fearing he might be framed due to pressure on the case. After DNA testing, he was released and returned home to find officers raiding his house and his 77-year-old mother missing; she had sought refuge with a neighbor and has since been stressed by the ordeal.
Online Speculation and Criminal Past
Daley highlighted the challenge of internet speculation, where users linked him to the abduction based on his criminal history. Records reveal he served over a year in jail from 2019 to 2020 for solicitation of drugs and flight from law enforcement, was convicted in 2022 for drug sales resulting in four years' probation, and arrested in 2025 for possession of a gun and fentanyl, though he was released by a judge.
'The hard part is they're making all these assumptions based on things that have no relevance, and they're bringing up my past, which I mean, I do have a past, but nothing violent or anything like that,' Daley asserted. He emphasized that his past involves drug use, not violence, and he has been clean for over two years. He criticized the public scrutiny, arguing it unfairly portrays him as a 'bad person.'
Lack of Evidence and Criticism of Authorities
Daley contended that the reasons for suspecting him are 'basically circumstantial,' noting he sees no resemblance to the masked man in the footage and his Range Rover has been returned. 'There's no evidence to point towards me other than speculation,' he said, urging people to avoid 'hive mind' mentalities among online detectives. He also condemned officials for giving the Guthrie family 'false hope' by announcing a person of interest was in custody.
Expressing sympathy, Daley stated, 'I, like everyone else, just want Nancy to come home and be safe.' He reiterated his innocence and willingness to cooperate with investigators if he had any information. When contacted for comment, a Pima County Sheriff's Office spokesperson said, 'A search warrant signed by a federal magistrate was obtained and served on Mr. Daley and the investigation continues.' The Daily Mail has also reached out to the FBI for further input.
Background on Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 after being dropped off at home by her son-in-law Tommaso Cioni following a dinner and game night. She was reported missing the next morning after failing to attend virtual church services with a friend. With no new leads, the FBI is scaling back its search, moving agents to a command post over 100 miles from Phoenix.
Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie is preparing to return to New York City to resume her work and family life, as sources indicate she cannot stay in Arizona indefinitely. On Monday, she was seen placing flowers at a memorial outside her mother's home alongside her sister Annie and brother-in-law Tommaso, reflecting the ongoing emotional toll of the investigation.
