Body Discovered in Pond Off I‑75 Near Last Known Location of Missing Teen Giovanni Pelletier
UPDATE: Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confirms that the body found belonged to Giovanni Pelletier.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed on Friday evening that they have found a body in a retention pond at the southbound off-ramp of Interstate 75 and State Road 70. In the same vicinity, 18-year-old Giovanni Pelletier’s backpack and phone were previously located.
Authorities say the remains appear to be those of a male, though identity has not yet been confirmed. The finding occurs in connection with the ongoing missing person investigation for Gio, who vanished during a family vacation to Englewood, Fla., on August 1.
Recovery efforts were hampered earlier in the day by heavy rain, which slowed the process of removing the remains from the water. Once conditions improved, deputies and crime scene personnel worked to bring the body to shore for further examination.
Pelletier reportedly was traveling with cousins when he began exhibiting erratic behavior, exited their vehicle near SR 70, and was last heard from via a text message to his family asking for help.
An FBI expert, retired special agent Frank Brostrom, told ABC11 that the fact investigators know who Gio was with and when he left provides a vital investigative starting point—unlike many cases that begin with no leads or context. Now, investigators can compare physical evidence with the cousins’ accounts to assess consistency and veracity.
What’s Next
Law enforcement will focus on confirming whether the body is Giovanni Pelletier using forensic means.
Investigators will continue examining cellphone data, witness statements, and the cousins’ narrative for inconsistencies.
The family is being kept informed, and broader agencies remain involved as the investigation unfolds.
This remains a developing situation with more details expected in the coming days.
