CCSO marks 20 years since the death of 9 year-old Jessica Lunsford
Photo courtesy of CCSO.
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
February 24, 2025
February 24, 2025
Citrus County, Florida - Twenty years ago, the disappearance of 9 year-old Jessica Lunsford shattered our community's sense of safety, and sparked one of the most intense and heartbreaking investigations in Citrus County's history. The days and weeks that followed tested the resolve of the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) and our community as we all worked tirelessly to bring her home. Today, we solemnly remember Jessica, honor her legacy, and reaffirm our commitment to protecting the children of Citrus County.
On February 24, 2005, Jessica was reported missing from her home in Homosassa. What began as an urgent missing child investigation quickly escalated into one of the most exhaustive and heart-wrenching cases in our agency's history. Detectives, deputies, forensic specialists, and volunteers worked around the clock, following every lead and utilizing every available resource. After weeks of relentless effort, investigators uncovered the crippling truth: Jessica had been abducted and murdered by a convicted sex offender who lived just yards away from her home.
The dedication and perseverance of CCSO personnel led to the offender's arrest and conviction, effecting justice for Jessica and her family. Many of the men and women who worked this case in 2005 remain with the CCSO today, continuing to serve and protect our community with the same passion and grit they demonstrated two decades ago. Their unwavering dedication serves as a testament to the mission of the CCSO to seek justice, to protect the innocent, and to never forget those we have lost.
"Even after 20 years, the pain of losing Jessica remains fresh in our hearts," said Citrus County Sheriff David Vincent. "The Lunsford family suffered a cruel loss, and our community mourned alongside them. Jessica's case changed the way we approach child abductions, both here in Citrus County and across the nation. Her memory fuels our commitment to ensuring that no family experiences this kind of tragedy again."
Jessica's story led to significant changes in child protection laws, including the passage of the Jessica Lunsford Act, which strengthened the monitoring and penalties for convicted sex offenders. Her legacy continues to make an impact, through state legislation and the creation of "Jessie's Place," the Children's Advocacy Center serving Citrus County. It also reminds us why we must remain vigilant in safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our community.
As we mark this solemn anniversary, our thoughts and prayers are with the Lunsford family. We will never forget Jessica, and we will never stop fighting for justice for all children.