Elwin “Larry” Costine was last seen early on the morning of May 3, 1992, when he dropped a friend off after having been to a rodeo the night before. He was last seen with Melissa Jo Sermons, who he was reportedly dating. On May 4, 1992, Costine was found in his residence, murdered. He had been shot several times.

At the time he was discovered, there was no sign of Sermons at his residence. Her family learned that she did not return home after leaving with him to attend the rodeo. Foul play is also suspected in Sermons’ disappearance.

Anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at (863) 298-6379, or send an email to coldcase@polksheriff.org.