What began as a hopeful family reconnection ended in heartbreak for the loved ones of 18-year-old Giovanni Pelletier, whose disappearance earlier this month has now taken a tragic turn. Authorities were called after family members of the teen, who were out searching for him in the area he was believed to be last seen, located a decomposing body submerged in a pond. Law enforcement arrived and said the body is his, though full forensic confirmation is still pending.
A Visit Meant to Reconnect Turns Grim:Giovanni, a recent high school graduate, traveled to Florida with his mother, her fiancé, and his siblings. While there, he arranged to meet members of his estranged father’s family — a meeting his mother, Bridgette, said she was hesitant about but wanted to support.
According to Bridgette, she later received alarming information from Giovanni’s paternal grandfather, who left a voicemail claiming that an altercation had occurred and that Giovanni’s cousins had left him on the side of the road. One cousin allegedly told her they had smoked marijuana together, after which Giovanni began to panic, pulled out a knife, and ran off.
Bridgette believes the story doesn’t add up. “That is completely out of character,” she told People, suggesting her son may have felt “threatened and outnumbered.”
A Chilling Final Message: On the day he vanished, Bridgette awoke to multiple missed calls and messages from Giovanni — including a single, chilling text that read: “Mom help.” He also attempted to FaceTime her and contacted other relatives.
Using location tracking, Bridgette found his phone and backpack abandoned along the roadside. “He eats, sleeps, showers, breathes his phone,” she said. “My son would never run away and just text me ‘help me.’ He knows I would burn this world down to find him.”
Body Found Near Last Known Location: On August 8, a decomposing body was found in a retention pond near where Giovanni was last seen in Bradenton. The following day, his family shared that they believe the remains are his. An autopsy has yet to confirm the identity, with authorities saying further forensic testing is required. No clear signs of foul play have been publicly confirmed.
In a heartbreaking Facebook post, Bridgette wrote:
“My son was recently found after a desperate search by OUR FAMILY ALONE, and we are still facing an active investigation into his death. I am living every parent’s worst nightmare… We ask that you please respect our privacy as we try to navigate this for his 4 younger siblings.”
Investigation Complicated by False Tips: The Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office has been working the case with assistance from multiple agencies, including K9 units, drone operators, and aviation teams. However, they reported being “flooded” with false leads, which slowed progress.
Officials urge anyone with credible information to contact authorities.
“Every lead takes time to either verify or rule out,” the sheriff’s office stated. “We have received tips placing Giovanni not only in other counties but in other states altogether.”
Giovanni’s family has identified three individuals believed to be the last known people with him before his disappearance:
Zachariah L. Cummings – 37-year-old white male, not related to Giovanni, with a four-page criminal record.
At present, these individuals are considered persons of interest. The family is awaiting public records that may reveal further details about their accounts and law enforcement’s investigation.
Family Vows to Pursue Justice: The Pelletier family says they will not stop until they know the truth. “Law enforcement failed him — now we must hold them, and everyone involved, accountable,” Bridgette said.
Anyone with information on Giovanni’s disappearance or the actions of the individuals named is urged to contact investigators.
