Florida: Body of Missing 18-Year-Old Giovanni Pelletier Found in Retention Pond After Week-Long Search

The body of Giovanni Pelletier, an 18-year-old who went missing in Florida on August 1, has been discovered in a retention pond following a week-long search. The body was located on a Friday evening at the southbound off-ramp of Interstate 75 and State Road 70, near the area where Pelletier’s backpack and phone had earlier been found. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the recovery of the body, which is pending positive identification.

Authorities have scheduled an autopsy to be conducted on Sunday to determine the cause of death, which remains unknown at this time. Giovanni Pelletier’s cousin confirmed the identity of the body to media outlets, adding that the family found it themselves. The intense search effort for Pelletier began shortly after he was reported missing.

Circumstances Surrounding Disappearance

Pellitier had been on vacation in Englewood, Florida, with family from North Carolina when he left the home around 1:30 a.m. on August 1. He got into a car with a cousin he had not met in person and two of that cousin’s friends. About 25 minutes into the ride, Pelletier sent a text message to his mother asking for help. Following that, he exited the vehicle near the intersection of I-75 and S.R. 70.

Reports from the cousin and friends indicate that Pelletier was acting erratically before getting out of the car, leading to concerns from his family. Later that day, his backpack and phone were found in the vicinity where he had left the vehicle. The car, a white Chevy Malibu, was subsequently seized by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Despite initial claims regarding Pelletier’s behavior, experts have criticized the inconsistencies present in the narratives provided by the cousins with him at the time.

Search Efforts and Investigation

Search efforts for Pelletier were initiated by family members following an anonymous tip. They were soon joined by approximately 20 volunteers who utilized ATVs and drones to search the area. Although the initial investigation did not show any evidence of foul play around the scene where he was located, further details will be investigated once the autopsy results are made available.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office clarified that they were not the lead agency in the investigation due to the absence of evidence suggesting Pelletier had been in Brevard County. Law enforcement officials are now focused on establishing a timeline regarding the actions of the cousins after Pelletier exited the vehicle.

Community and Family Impact

Pelletier was a recent graduate of Fuquay-Varina High School and was remembered as a kind and beautiful soul by his family. He leaves behind four younger siblings and a mother who is struggling to cope with the loss. The family has requested privacy while they make arrangements in the wake of this tragedy.

A toxicology report is expected to take up to six months to complete after the autopsy, which may provide more insights into the circumstances leading to Pelletier’s death. Investigators continue to analyze the events surrounding the disappearance and are committed to uncovering the truth.

This is an ongoing story, with further updates anticipated as investigations progress and more information becomes available.