Police in Florida found a body in the last known area of a missing North Carolina teen, who had been vacationing when he vanished.
According to WRAL, a body was discovered by the Sheriff’s Office in a retention pond located at State Route 70, near the southbound exit of Interstate 75 in Manatee County.
Though the identity has not been confirmed, the body was found in the vicinity where 18-year-old Giovanni Pelletier’s cellphone was last detected.
Previously reported by CrimeOnline, Pelletier was last spotted on August 1 in Mims. His aunt revealed to WRAL that they were visiting his mother’s fiancée’s family in Englewood when Giovanni reconnected with cousins from his estranged father’s side.
Charlotte County police said the cousins claimed Pelletier suddenly began behaving “erratically” and unexplainedly walked away.
However, private investigator Shelley Croft informed WFLA that 21 minutes after departing Englewood with his cousins, Pelletier sent his mother a text message saying, “Mom help me.”
The cousins reportedly stated that Pelletier exited the vehicle near State Road 70 in Manatee County. His backpack and cellphone were found in the area.
The family said the cousins’ stories seem to have some inconsistencies, and they question their possible involvement, according to WRLA.
This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office at 941-639-2101.
Check back for updates.
[Feature Photo: Handout]
