Laurie Depies Mysterious Disappearance in Menasha Wisconsin

On the evening of August 19, 1992, 20-year-old Laurie Jean Depies vanished without a trace from the parking lot of her boyfriend’s apartment complex in Menasha, Wisconsin. Despite extensive searches, media coverage, and multiple leads over the years, Laurie’s case remains one of Wisconsin’s most puzzling missing persons cases.

Laurie was last seen around 10:00 p.m. as she arrived at the apartment complex after leaving her job at the Fox River Mall in Appleton. Her car was found locked and undisturbed, but she was nowhere to be found. No one heard any signs of a struggle, and her purse, wallet, and other belongings were missing.

This article delves into the timeline, investigation, potential suspects, and theories surrounding Laurie Depies’ mysterious disappearance.

Laurie Jean Depies: Who Was She?

Laurie was a 20-year-old artist, free spirit, and a well-liked young woman who had her whole life ahead of her. She had a passion for drawing, loved heavy metal music, and was known for her bright personality and independent nature. Laurie had recently started attending Fox Valley Technical College and was exploring her future while maintaining a close-knit circle of friends.

She worked at Graffiti inside the Fox River Mall in Appleton, a local coffeehouse known for its artsy and alternative crowd. Laurie’s artistic creativity and unique style made her a well-known figure among her peers.

The Night Laurie Disappeared

On August 19, 1992, Laurie finished her shift at Graffiti and left work around 9:30 p.m. She planned to drive to her boyfriend Mark Trouten’s apartment in Menasha, about a 15-minute drive from her workplace.

• At around 10:00 p.m., Laurie’s gray 1984 Volkswagen Beetle pulled into the parking lot at The Elms Apartments in Menasha.
• Mark and two of his friends heard her car arrive and the sound of her slamming the door shut.
• However, she never made it inside.
• When Mark went outside to check, Laurie was gone—vanished without a trace.

The most eerie detail was that her car was still there, locked with no signs of a struggle. There were no footprints, no drag marks, and no physical evidence to suggest what had happened. It was as if she had simply disappeared into thin air.

The Investigation: A Case That Stunned Wisconsin

Laurie’s disappearance sparked a major investigation, drawing local, state, and national attention.

• Police immediately searched the area and interviewed residents.
• Dogs were used to track Laurie’s scent, but they lost it abruptly in the parking lot, suggesting she may have been forced into a vehicle.
• Flyers were posted, family and friends were interviewed, and the case was covered by local news stations.
• Over the years, hundreds of tips poured in, but none led to her whereabouts.

Despite massive searches conducted throughout Wisconsin and neighboring states, no substantial evidence was ever found.

False Leads and Suspects

Several theories and suspects emerged over the years, but none led to definitive answers.

The Confession That Led Nowhere

In 2010, a convicted felon named Larry Hall, who was suspected in multiple kidnappings and murders across the Midwest, confessed to killing Laurie. Hall was known for abducting young women, and his confession seemed chillingly plausible.

However, his confession was inconsistent, and he later recanted, leaving investigators back at square one.

The Unidentified Witness

Some witnesses claimed to have seen a suspicious vehicle near the apartment complex around the time Laurie disappeared. However, no one could provide a detailed description, and no security cameras were available in the area at the time.

A Stalker or Abduction for Trafficking?

Investigators explored the possibility that Laurie was being stalked by someone who knew her routine. Others speculated that she could have been targeted by human traffickers, though there was no physical evidence to confirm this.

Impact on the Family and Community

Laurie’s family and friends were devastated by her sudden disappearance. Her mother, Mary Wegner, remained relentless in her pursuit of answers, often working with advocacy groups and law enforcement in hopes of keeping the case alive.

The case gained widespread media attention over the years, including features on crime shows like “Unsolved Mysteries” and “Disappeared”. Despite the passing decades, Laurie’s disappearance continues to haunt the Menasha community.

Where the Case Stands Today

As of 2024, Laurie Jean Depies remains a missing person.

• No remains have ever been found.
• No arrests have been made.
• The case is still considered active, with authorities reviewing new leads whenever they arise.

The Menasha Police Department continues to encourage anyone with information to come forward.

Theories and Speculations

There are multiple theories about what happened to Laurie, including:

• She was abducted by a stranger – A random predator could have taken advantage of her being alone.
• A targeted attack – Someone Laurie knew may have been waiting for her.
• A possible serial killer connection – Given the confession by Larry Hall and other potential suspects, some believe Laurie’s case is linked to other missing women.

Unfortunately, without new evidence or a confession, these remain theories rather than concrete answers.

Conclusion

The disappearance of Laurie Jean Depies remains one of Wisconsin’s most enduring mysteries. With no body, no suspects, and no evidence, her case is frustratingly unresolved.

Her family and friends continue to hold out hope that one day they will get answers. Until then, Laurie’s case remains open, waiting for the right piece of information to bring closure to those who loved her.

If you have any information about Laurie’s disappearance, please contact the Menasha Police Department or submit a tip to local law enforcement agencies.