APPLETON, Wis. — In a twist to the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of local teacher Nancy Guthrie, authorities briefly detained a man in connection with the case last week before releasing him without charges. The 42-year-old resident of Appleton, identified as Mark Hensley, has come forward to assert his innocence and demand that his name be cleared from any association with the suspected kidnapping. According to a report from CBS News, Hensley was held for questioning on Thursday, October 12, after tips from the community pointed investigators toward him, but he was let go by Friday morning following a lack of evidence.
The case of Nancy Guthrie, a 35-year-old elementary school educator at Lincoln Elementary School here in Appleton, has gripped the community since she vanished from her home on the evening of September 28. Guthrie, known for her dedication to her students and involvement in local charity events, was last seen leaving a parent-teacher conference at the school around 7 p.m. Her husband, David Guthrie, reported her missing the next morning when she failed to return home or show up for work. 'Nancy is the heart of our family and our school,' David Guthrie told reporters outside the family home last week. 'We're doing everything we can to bring her back safely.'
Investigators from the Appleton Police Department, in coordination with the FBI, have described the disappearance as a potential abduction. Security footage from a nearby convenience store captured a dark sedan idling near Guthrie's residence around the time of her departure, but the vehicle's license plate was obscured. 'We are pursuing all leads aggressively,' Appleton Police Chief Elena Ramirez said in a press conference on October 10. 'The safety of Ms. Guthrie is our top priority, and we appreciate the public's assistance.'
The brief detention of Mark Hensley emerged as one such lead. Hensley, a mechanic at Appleton Auto Repair on West College Avenue, was reportedly flagged after a coworker mentioned seeing him in the vicinity of Guthrie's neighborhood on the night she disappeared. According to the CBS News report, Hensley was detained at his workplace around 2 p.m. on October 12 and transported to the Outagamie County Jail for interrogation. He was released less than 24 hours later, with police citing insufficient evidence to hold him.
In an exclusive interview aired on CBS News, Hensley expressed frustration over the ordeal. 'I was just picking up parts from a friend who lives a few blocks from there,' Hensley said. 'I've got nothing to do with this. My life is falling apart because of rumors, and I want my name cleared right now.' He added that the detention has led to harassment from neighbors and threats at his job, prompting him to consider legal action against the police department for what he calls an unwarranted arrest.
Authorities have not commented directly on Hensley's release, but Chief Ramirez reiterated during a follow-up briefing that the investigation remains active. 'We act on credible tips to ensure no stone is unturned,' she said. 'Releases occur when evidence doesn't support further detention, but that doesn't mean leads are abandoned.' The FBI's involvement underscores the seriousness of the case, with special agent Laura Chen stating that forensic teams are analyzing Guthrie's abandoned vehicle, found parked haphazardly two miles from her home on October 2.
Background on the Guthrie case reveals a community on edge. Appleton, a city of about 75,000 in the Fox Valley region, has seen a rise in concerns over personal safety following several unsolved disappearances in neighboring counties over the past year. Guthrie's case has drawn comparisons to the 2019 abduction of Sarah Ellis, another local woman who was found safe after 10 days, thanks to a tip from a gas station attendant. Community members have organized vigils at Memorial Park, where over 500 residents gathered last Sunday, holding signs reading 'Bring Nancy Home.'
David Guthrie has been vocal about the emotional toll. 'Every day without answers is torture,' he said in an interview with local station WFRV on October 11. 'Nancy taught third grade for 12 years; she has so many people who love her.' Friends and colleagues describe Guthrie as outgoing and reliable, with no known enemies. Her social media posts from the weeks prior showed her planning a school fundraiser for literacy programs, painting a picture of a life full of purpose.
While Hensley's detention was short-lived, it highlights the challenges in high-profile investigations. Legal experts note that swift releases are common when initial suspicions don't pan out. 'Police must balance public pressure with due process,' said Appleton attorney Michael Torres, who is not involved in the case. 'Detaining someone briefly based on tips is standard, but prolonged holds require probable cause.' Torres added that Hensley could pursue a defamation claim if media coverage has damaged his reputation irreparably.
Other leads in the investigation include digital forensics on Guthrie's phone, which last pinged off a tower near Highway 41 at 8:15 p.m. on September 28. Witnesses reported seeing a woman matching Guthrie's description arguing with an unidentified male at a bus stop shortly after, though police have not confirmed if this sighting is related. The reward fund for information leading to Guthrie's safe return has surpassed $50,000, bolstered by donations from local businesses and the Appleton Teachers' Union.
The community's response has been mixed regarding Hensley's release. Some residents, like neighbor Carla Jenkins, expressed relief but lingering doubt. 'It's good he's out if he's innocent, but what if they let the real person go?' Jenkins said at a neighborhood watch meeting on October 13. Others, including Hensley's longtime friend Tom Reilly, rallied in his support. 'Mark's a family man; he's coached little league for years,' Reilly told CBS News. 'This is a witch hunt.'
As the search enters its third week, law enforcement is expanding efforts to surrounding areas, including Green Bay and Oshkosh. Search teams combed the wooded areas along the Fox River over the weekend, using K-9 units and drones, but no new evidence has surfaced. The FBI has issued a public appeal for dashcam footage from the relevant highways, emphasizing that even minor details could be crucial.
The broader implications of the Guthrie case extend to discussions on women's safety in mid-sized cities like Appleton. Advocacy groups such as the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence have highlighted the statistic that one in four women will experience severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime, though no evidence suggests domestic involvement in this instance. 'Cases like this remind us to stay vigilant,' said coalition director Anna Patel in a statement released October 14.
Looking ahead, prosecutors have indicated that if Guthrie is found, the investigation could shift to recovery and potential charges. For now, the focus remains on tips pouring into the tipline, which has received over 300 calls since the disappearance. Chief Ramirez urged patience: 'We're closer than we were yesterday, and we'll keep pushing until Nancy is home.'
Hensley's push to clear his name adds another layer to the unfolding story, underscoring the human cost of investigations. As Appleton holds its breath, the hope is that the next break will bring resolution rather than more uncertainty.