Crime Solvers Central
Crime Solvers Central
302 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.

Case Description

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Summary based on the NamUs case record (MP22112) and 7 other sources
Joanna Kay Otto, 19, was last seen on November 20, 1992, in Pensacola, Florida. On the night of her disappearance, Joanna attended a party with her roommate. Her roommate left the party early due to feeling ill, but Joanna stayed behind and later got a ride home with an acquaintance, James Earl Gibson. Gibson later told police that he dropped Joanna off at her apartment after dropping off two other people. However, Joanna never made it home, and she was reported missing weeks later, on December 8, 1992, when she failed to contact her family during Thanksgiving.

Joanna's case has remained unsolved for decades, and foul play is suspected. Gibson, who was later convicted of a separate kidnapping and sexual assault in 1994, has long been a person of interest, though no charges have been brought against him in connection to Joanna's disappearance. Investigators continue to seek information, and her case remains open, with her family still hoping for closure.

Joanna, originally from Dothan, Alabama, had dropped out of high school and was living in Pensacola at the time. She is remembered as a trusting individual who enjoyed socializing, but her sudden disappearance raised alarm because she had never been out of contact with her family for such a long time before.

The case remains a cold case, with investigators urging anyone with information to come forward to help bring resolution to her family.

Last Seen: Nov 20, 1992

Possible Unidentified Matches (1)

Unidentified remains cases whose details are consistent with this person, ranked by how closely they compare. Fields that are unknown in either case are left out of the score.

76%Possible
Jane Doe — Southport, Florida - unidentified case UP1111
Jane Doe — Southport, Florida
UP1111 • Found May 30, 1996
View case
Sex ✓Female
Age 85%Est. 18–35 vs 19 when missing
Race 100%White
Location 77%94 mi away, same state
TimingFound 4 years after last seen
Height 100%5'6" vs 5'7"
Hair 100%Brown vs Brown

These comparisons are generated automatically from public NamUs case data and are not confirmed identifications. Only DNA, dental or fingerprint comparison by investigators can confirm an identity. If you believe two cases are connected, contact the agency handling the unidentified case.

Unidentified photos are blurred because many are post-mortem. Tap a photo to reveal it.