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Families and supporters press Marion County for answers in long-running missing-persons case
Summary
During public comment, family members and supporters of Sarah Gail Ebersole, missing since March 2023, urged Marion County officials to help secure fresh investigative review, criticized law enforcement communication, and described protests and alleged retaliatory enforcement against demonstrators.
At the public comment portion of the Marion County commission meeting, multiple family members and community supporters pressed county leaders for help and transparency in the disappearance of Sarah Gail Ebersole, who has been missing since March 3, 2023.
Michelle Tullis, who identified herself as Sarah Ebersole's sister, said repeated requests for case updates produced a 705-day delay in updating a missing-persons flyer and that the family has faced threats and harassment while seeking answers. "Victims should not disappear twice, once from the community and once again from public conversation," Tullis said, describing a prolonged effort to keep the case in public view.
Speakers told commissioners they have organized peaceful protests and that some protesters were arrested; they urged the commission to use its connections to seek a fresh review by the state attorney or the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. "We implore you for your help... to bring justice for all the missing people in this county," Melanie Connell said.
Commissioners responded that they do not have investigative authority over the sheriff's office but offered to meet with family members to review what the family has done and to explore next steps, including contact with the state attorney. Commissioner McClain offered to meet after the meeting and review available documentation.
What’s next: Commissioners said the board's role is limited on law-enforcement investigations but offered to meet with family advocates and provide guidance on avenues to request FDLE or state-attorney involvement. The family representatives asked the county to facilitate connections and to preserve public attention on the case.
