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Columbus NC: Person of Interest Detained in Missing Mother Case

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2026/02/1 .. of-interest-detained-in-missing-mother-case.html
  Published in House and Home on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 17:47 GMT by KHQ
      Locales: Idaho, Washington, UNITED STATES

Columbus, N.C. - February 17, 2026 - The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 38-year-old mother of six who disappeared from Columbus, North Carolina on February 6th, took a significant turn yesterday with the detention of an individual believed to be connected to her disappearance. While authorities remain tight-lipped about the details, the detention has sparked a complex web of reactions, most notably a public defense of the individual by his own mother-in-law, Patricia McGuffin.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office confirmed Tuesday that a person of interest was taken into custody, but stressed that no charges have been filed and information regarding the individual's identity is currently being withheld to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation. This secrecy has fueled speculation and anxiety within the tight-knit Columbus community, where Guthrie is well-known and loved.

McGuffin, mother-in-law to Guthrie's husband, broke from this silence with a powerful statement released to WBTV Wednesday morning. Her defense of the detained individual is striking, asserting his character and vehemently denying any possibility of his involvement in Guthrie's disappearance. "He's a good person, and he is deserving of empathy, not hatred," McGuffin stated. "I cannot imagine anyone more kind or gentle, or the thought of him involved in something like this makes me sick to my stomach. I know he would never hurt anyone."

McGuffin's statement is a bold move, given the circumstances. It raises crucial questions: What information does she possess that informs her unwavering belief in his innocence? Is she privy to details not yet shared with investigators? Or is this simply a mother-in-law's desperate attempt to protect a loved one, even in the face of mounting suspicion? Legal experts suggest that such public declarations, while emotionally driven, could potentially complicate the investigation and even impact any future legal proceedings.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the morning of February 6th, as she was dropping off her children at school. Her disappearance immediately prompted a widespread search effort, involving local law enforcement, volunteers, and even aerial support. The Polk County Sheriff's Office described Guthrie as last seen wearing a blue and white checkered long-sleeved shirt and dark leggings, driving a blue 2013 Honda CRV. Despite extensive searches of the surrounding areas, including wooded regions and along major roadways, no trace of Guthrie or her vehicle has been found.

The investigation has been described as "complex" by Sheriff deputies, indicating the lack of any immediately obvious clues. Investigators have been diligently following leads, interviewing family members, friends, neighbors, and anyone who may have had contact with Guthrie prior to her disappearance. The detention of this individual represents a significant, if still preliminary, development in the case.

Beyond the immediate details of the investigation, the Guthrie case has brought into sharp focus the often-unspoken fears of families and communities. The idyllic image of small-town life is shattered when a mother vanishes on a seemingly ordinary school run. The uncertainty and anxiety are palpable, particularly for parents of young children in Columbus. Several local schools have increased security measures in response to the incident, providing an additional layer of comfort, if not complete reassurance.

Local support groups are being organized to provide assistance to the Guthrie family and to address the emotional needs of the community. Fundraising efforts are underway to help with search costs and to support the six Guthrie children. The focus remains firmly on finding Nancy Guthrie and bringing her home safely. However, as days turn into weeks, and with the detention of a person of interest, the likelihood of a positive outcome diminishes, adding a layer of profound sadness to the already tense atmosphere.

Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office at 828-894-8288. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and every lead is being pursued with the utmost diligence. The community holds its breath, hoping for a resolution that brings Nancy Guthrie home and answers the questions that continue to haunt Columbus, North Carolina.