A body has been found in the search for North Carolina teen Giovanni Pelletier, who disappeared after sending a text message to his mother reading: “Mom, help.”
According to reports, the 18-year-old had traveled to connect with his estranged dad and family. He was initially vacationing with his mom and other relatives in Englewood, before being picked up by three cousins at around 1:30 a.m. on Aug. 1 in order to visit his father’s family in Brevard County.
As per Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, though, the cousins claim Pelletier started acting erratically before drawing a knife after they had they pulled over to the side of the road.
Around the same time, the teen sent two messages to his mother, including one pleading: “Mom, help.” He also tried calling and FaceTiming her, before sending distressed messages to various other relatives.
The New York Post say that Pelletier’s backpack and phone were found by the side of the road later on Aug. 1. The 18-year-old himself, however, could not be located, sparking a search.
Tragically, Pelletier’s decomposing remains were found Friday, August 8 in a retention pond off I-75 in Florida. According to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, his body was formally identified Saturday afternoon.
The teen’s distraught mother told how she’s now living “every parent’s worst nightmare,” adding that her son had been found by a private eye in a swampy area that authorities claimed to have already searched.
“My son was recently found after a desperate search by our family alone, and we are still facing an active investigation into his death,” 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.”
Soon after his disappearance on August 1, authorities scoured the swampy area close to the southbound off-ramp near State Road 70 (where the teenager’s body was later discovered) but his remains were found by a private investigation group hired by his family.
Gulf Coast News reported that an autopsy had been scheduled for Sunday, August 10.
Rest in peace.