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
