Giovanni Pelletier Update: Florida Police Find Missing North Carolina Teen’s Body Near Where He Last Seen

More than a week after the disappearance of Giovanni Pelletier, the teenager who was last seen in Mims, Florida, authorities have found a body in the area where he went missing. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in Florida revealed that they pinged the teen’s phone and found a body in a pond located near Interstate 75 and State Route 70. His family confirmed that the body was his in a social media post.

“My son was recently found after a desperate search by OUR FAMILY ALONE, and we are still facing an active investigation into his death,” his mother Bridgette Pelletier wrote on Facebook. “I am living every parent’s worst nightmare, trying to find the strength to give him the goodbye he deserves. We ask that you please respect our privacy at this time as we try to navigate this for his 4 younger siblings.”

Giovanni Pelletier’s last text to his mom

Pelletier’s family has revealed that he last texted his mom on Aug. 1, saying, “Mom, help.” The teen’s aunt, Desiree, told WRAL News that the family, who is from Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, went to Englewood, Florida, for vacation as they were visiting relatives.

Before he disappeared early on Thursday morning, Pelletier met with his cousins, who are from his estranged father’s side. According to police, the cousins spoke about the last time they saw Pelletier, saying he “suddenly began to act erratically before exiting the vehicle and walking away.”

Desiree Pelletier said a truck driver found the teen’s bag on the side of the road and turned it over to the police. The devastated family was offering a $10,000 reward to anybody who could share information on his whereabouts. “We’re just so terrified,” Desiree said. “We just want to find him. We want him home.”

What did Giovanni Pelletier’s family say about his disappearance?

While Pelletier’s cousins said he showed unusual behavior when they last saw him, Desiree said they are telling contradicting stories.

“How on earth are we supposed to be okay with these three boys saying this is what happened and then they change it,” the heartbroken aunt said, per WRAL. “Then someone lies about their name as well? How are we supposed to be okay and not go for the possibility of something happened to him?”

Some neighbors in Fuquay-Varina also spoke to the news outlet about Pelletier, saying he is popular in the town and very close with his mom.

Anyone with information about Pelletier’s death and disappearance can contact the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office at 941-639-2101.