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
🎯
suspect
Lead #1Who killed Larry Costine and what was the motive for his murder?
👤
person
Lead #2What was the nature of Sermons' relationship with Costine and were there any conflicts?
🔍
evidence
Lead #3What evidence was recovered from Costine's residence and does it connect to Sermons' disappearance?
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 located. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance and Costine's murder remain unexplained, making this case critical for anyone with information about that weekend.
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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.
👁️
witness
Lead #4Were there witnesses at the Dade City rodeo who saw Sermons and Costine together that evening?
💡
clue
Lead #5Sermons was wearing distinctive jewelry including a horseshoe ring with diamonds and a gold rope chain with cross—has anyone spotted these items?
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
👁️
1992-05-03
Last Sighting
Melissa Jo Sermons last seen at a rodeo in Dade City with her date Larry Costine
🔍
1992-05-05
Body Discovery
Larry Costine 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 3, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 8632986200
You can remain anonymous
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Case Information
Incident:May 3, 1992
Last Updated:June 3, 2026
Have Information?
Any information, no matter how small, could be crucial to solving this case.
Phone: 8632986200
You can remain anonymous