CITRUS COUNTY, Fla. – Twenty years after the disappearance and murder of 9-year-old Jessica Lunsford, the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) and the community solemnly commemorate her memory, reflecting on the profound impact of her tragic death.
On February 24, 2005, Jessica was reported missing from her Homosassa home, triggering an intense and heart-wrenching investigation that gripped the nation. CCSO personnel, along with countless volunteers, worked tirelessly to find her.
After weeks of exhaustive searching, the devastating truth was revealed: Jessica had been abducted and murdered by a convicted sex offender living nearby.
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“Even after 20 years, the pain of losing Jessica remains fresh in our hearts,” said 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 death spurred significant changes in child protection laws, most notably the Jessica Lunsford Act, which strengthened monitoring and penalties for convicted sex offenders.
Her legacy also lives on through “Jessie’s Place,” the Children’s Advocacy Center serving Citrus County.
“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,” said CCSO.
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