The person at the center of this case
Melissa Jo or Joe Sermons
Missing Person · Open
34 years waiting · since 1992
Missing Person: Melissa Jo or Joe Sermons
Justice for Melissa Jo or Joe Sermons — the trail went cold in 1992, but the truth hasn't.
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Key leads to think about
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suspect
Lead #1What was the nature of Sermons' relationship with Larry Costine, and could his murder be connected to her disappearance?
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witness
Lead #2Were there other witnesses at the Dade City rodeo on May 3, 1992, who saw Sermons and Costine together?
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evidence
Lead #3What evidence linked Costine's death to his residence, and were any leads developed regarding Sermons' whereabouts?
Melissa Jo Sermons, a 26-year-old woman involved in rodeo culture, was last seen on May 3, 1992, at a rodeo in Dade City with her date Larry Costine. Two days later, Costine was found shot to death in his North Lakeland home, but Sermons has never been found or heard from since. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain unclear, and investigators continue seeking information about what happened to her.
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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.
⏰
timeline
Lead #4What happened between the rodeo on May 3 and Costine's discovery on May 5—where was Sermons during those two days?
Have information about any of these leads?
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
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1992-05-03
Last Seen at Rodeo
Melissa Jo Sermons was last seen at a rodeo in Dade City with her date, Larry Costine
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1992-05-05
Date Found Shot
Larry Costine was found 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 10, 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 10, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 8632986200
You can remain anonymous