The person at the center of this case
Melissa Jo Sermons
Missing Person · Open
34 years waiting · since 1992
Missing Person: Melissa Jo or Joe Sermons
Justice for Melissa Jo Sermons — the trail went cold in 1992, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
🎯
suspect
Lead #1What was the nature of Sermons' relationship with Larry Costine, and why was he killed two days after their rodeo date?
🔍
evidence
Lead #2Was Sermons present at Costine's residence when he was shot, or did she disappear before then?
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witness
Lead #3Were there other witnesses at the Dade City rodeo who saw Sermons and Costine together that evening?
Melissa Jo Sermons, a 26-year-old rodeo enthusiast, vanished on May 3, 1992, after attending a rodeo in Dade City with her date Larry Costine. Two days later, Costine was found shot dead in his North Lakeland home, but Sermons has never been located. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance and Costine's murder remain a mystery, and investigators continue to seek information about her whereabouts.
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More leads to consider
Beyond the top three above — each detail below could be the thread that pulls this case open.
💡
clue
Lead #4Sermons was wearing distinctive jewelry including a horseshoe ring with diamonds and a gold rope chain with cross—have these items ever been recovered?
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Even the smallest detail could be the key to solving this case.
Official wording
Source Narrative
NamUs case MP5756. Missing person: Melissa Jo or Joe Sermons.
Last known contact: 1992-05-03 in Lakeland, Polk, FL. Circumstances: The victim was last seen at a rodeo in Dade City with her date, Larry Costine.
On 05/05/92, Costine was found shot to death inside his North Lakeland residence. Sermons has not been seen or heard from since.
She worked with horses and was involved in the rodeo culture. Demographics: 26 years, Female, White / Caucasian.
Physical description: 5 ft 10 in, 175 lbs, hair: Blond/Strawberry, eyes: Green. Clothing and accessories: Accessories: gray purse with two straps; Jewelry: horse shoe ring with diamonds, black watch, rope (gold colored) chain with cross.
Investigating agency: Polk County Sheriff's Office - Bartow | 92-051864.
Timeline of Events
👁️
1992-05-03
Last Seen at Rodeo
Melissa Jo Sermons last seen at a rodeo in Dade City with her date, Larry Costine
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1992-05-05
Date Found Shot Dead
Larry Costine discovered shot to death inside his North Lakeland residence
Key Locations
Interactive map showing important locations related to this case
Case Information
Incident:May 3, 1992
Last Updated:June 5, 2026
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Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 8632986200
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Case Information
Incident:May 3, 1992
Last Updated:June 5, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 8632986200
You can remain anonymous