Nine-year-old Jessica Marie Lunsford was abducted from her bed in Homosassa, Florida, in the early hours of February 24, 2005. A three-week search followed; her body was found on March 19, 2005, buried not far from where she had been taken. The death was the result of abduction, sexual assault, and murder.

Authorities arrested 46-year-old convicted sex offender John Evander Couey after a tip led them to him in Augusta, Georgia. While in custody he confessed to the kidnapping, sexual assault, and killing of Jessica. A jury later convicted him on charges that included first-degree murder, kidnapping, and sexual battery.

Jessica’s killing prompted major changes to laws aimed at strengthening sentencing and monitoring for sex offenders. Anyone with information about Jessica’s case or who knew her is asked to come forward.