The family of a teenager from North Carolina, who was discovered deceased after disappearing during a Florida vacation, is urging the FBI to intervene in their investigation. This incident took place in Manatee County, Florida.
According to the family, 18-year-old Giovanni Pelletier’s body was found by his mother’s best friend, who also lives in North Carolina.
He happened to be in Florida to support her, because her mother recently had a stroke, Morgan Hall, Pelletier’s cousin, said.
A family representative, Hall, informed ABC News that a friend of the boy’s mother joined the search efforts and was heartbroken upon finding the teen.
In response, the family initiated an online petition, appealing for the FBI’s involvement due to what they perceive as local authorities’ insufficient urgency. The petition has garnered thousands of signatures so far.
Hall said there were no law enforcement personnel out searching when the body was found.
Local authorities in Manatee County are currently investigating the death of Pelletier, who was located roughly a half-mile from where his personal belongings, including his backpack and phone, were discovered. The family believes that a more thorough initial search might have resulted in an earlier discovery.
Pelletier was reportedly with his cousins at the time he vanished. Described as a strong swimmer by his family, he had texted “help” to his mother before his sudden disappearance.
The family has hired an attorney to help with the case.
The preliminary autopsy found no evidence of trauma or foul play, and the cause of death is still under investigation pending toxicology results. The Medical Examiner’s Office has yet to confirm the identity of the body due to its advanced decomposition, indicating further forensic examination is necessary.
Detectives said they believe the body was in the pond for several days before it floated to the surface.
Pelletier was a recent graduate of Fuquay-Varina High School. His mother, Bridgette Pelletier, said in a social media post that she was “living every parent’s worst nightmare, trying to find the strength to give him the goodbye he deserves.”
It’s still unclear when Pelletier’s body will be returned to North Carolina for services.
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