The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in the investigation into the disappearance of Sara Gail Ebersole, a 26-year-old mother who was last seen eight months ago in Marion County.
On March 8, 2023, Ebersole was reported missing by her roommate. According to the sheriff’s office, the last time anyone saw Ebersole was in the early morning hours on March 3, 2023.
In a social media post, MCSO provided a photograph of Ebersole that was taken on March 2, 2023, which is the night she disappeared. Detectives believe that she was wearing a tan shirt with sequins or a black faded sweater with a hoodie that has a logo of a hockey goalie and the words “Goalie Academy” on the front.
Ebersole, who is the mother of a 5-year-old girl, stands 5’1″ tall, weighs 120 pounds, and has blue eyes and brown hair.
Those who are close to Ebersole have described her as a “free spirit.” The sheriff’s office stated that in the past, it would not be unusual for Ebersole to visit people out of town for weeks at a time, though MCSO added that this time appears to be different.
On Wednesday, November 8, 2023, MCSO stated on its Facebook page that Ebersole has not been seen or heard from for eight months, and her pattern of life appears to have “stopped entirely.” She did not take any clothes with her as she normally would, she hasn’t posted anything on social media, her financial accounts have shown no activity, and no one has been able to reach her.
“It’s been clear for some time that something has happened to Sara,” stated the sheriff’s office in the social media post.
According to MCSO, here is what detectives know for certain:
- On March 2, 2023, Ebersole was given a ride from a convenience store to a residence located in the 18000 block of N U.S. Highway 441 in Reddick.
- Ebersole was dropped off at the residence in Reddick, along with a man identified as James Robinson who resided in one-half of the subdivided home.
- The couple who resided in the other half of the subdivided home has been identified as James Schaller and Teesha McDermitt.
- After being dropped off at the home in Reddick on March 2, 2023, Ebersole spent a portion of the night with Robinson.
No further details were provided regarding the relationship between Ebersole and Robinson.
“That’s the end of what we know for certain,” stated the sheriff’s office. “That night, sometime after midnight, Sara either left that residence alive, or she didn’t.”
The residents of the house in Reddick told investigators that Ebersole left the residence in a “newer model, blue sedan, possibly a Hyundai.” The driver of that vehicle was described as being a Hispanic Uber driver who appeared to be in his mid-30’s, approximately 5’8” tall, with a thin build and long dark hair, according to MCSO.
The sheriff’s office stated that detectives have confirmed that Ebersole did not order any Uber services on the night of her disappearance, but they have not ruled out the possibility that Ebersole could have received an “off-the-books” ride from a Gainesville-based Uber driver who owned a dark-colored sedan.
“Besides investigating these possibilities, detectives are investigating additional tips that point to the involvement of other persons in Sara’s disappearance,” stated MCSO.
On its Facebook page, MCSO stated that the investigation into Ebersole’s disappearance “has been the subject of much speculation on social media, including by those who are trying to conduct their own investigation.”
“We fully understand that those who loved Sara want to uncover the truth about what happened to her,” added the sheriff’s office. “We share that same goal, but we also have the goal of ensuring that if somebody killed Sara or committed any other crime related to her disappearance, they can and will be held fully accountable in a court of law. That requires that evidence – including the statements of witnesses and persons of interest – be gathered meticulously and methodically, with a definite plan in mind.”
If you have any information that can help law enforcement locate Sara Gail Ebersole, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office asks that you call 352-732-8181.
Anyone wishing to remain anonymous can call the Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352-368-STOP (7867), or click here to submit an online tip.