Giovanni Pelletier found: Authorities have discovered a body in a Florida retention pond near where missing Fuquay-Varina teenager Giovanni Pelletier’s phone was last pinged. Giovanni, age 18, vanished on August 1 during a vacation to Englewood, Florida with his family. He left to visit relatives in Mims, Florida and was last seen exiting a vehicle near State Road 70 in Manatee County at about 1:30am.
The search for Giovanni Pelletier began when he sent distress messages to several family members, including a chilling “Mom, help me” text to his mother. His backpack and phone were later found by a truck driver about half a mile away, raising suspicions and concern within the family and law enforcement.
Timeline of Events
- August 1, 2025: Giovanni leaves in the early morning with cousins, intending to visit their home in Mims.
- Approximately 1:30am: Giovanni reportedly acts erratically and exits the vehicle near SR-70 in Manatee County.
- Shortly after: He sends multiple pleas for help to his family.
- Later that day: His backpack and phone are discovered near Interstate 75, southbound off-ramp at SR-70.
- August 8, 2025: A body is found in a nearby pond by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, not far from where Giovanni’s last known personal belongings were recovered.
What We Know
- Giovanni’s family and authorities worked with multiple agencies, deploying K9 units, drones, and aviation resources.
- Giovanni’s cousins, present during the incident, have cooperated fully with investigators and maintain their account of events.
- As of Friday, officials had not yet confirmed the identity of the body, but location and circumstances strongly point to Giovanni Pelletier.
Law enforcement continues to request public assistance, emphasizing the impact of inaccurate tips on the investigation’s progress. The family remains devastated but determined to uncover the truth behind Giovanni Pelletier’s disappearance, pressing for transparency and answers.
Community Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
The discovery of a body intensifies calls for thorough investigation as Giovanni’s story resonates across social platforms and news outlets. Friends, family, and concerned citizens are closely following real-time updates, hoping for official confirmation and closure.
If you have any information about Giovanni Pelletier’s case, authorities urge you to contact the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.
Giovanni Pelletier found: This case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the ongoing effort to seek justice for missing loved ones. Share your thoughts below or join the conversation to help keep the community informed.