Description
Authorities confirmed Thursday that the body discovered in a retention pond off of I-75 in Manatee County last week was of Giovanni Pelletier, an 18-year-old from North Carolina who went missing under "suspicious circumstances."
According to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, the medical examiner was able to "positively" identify Pelletier through dental records, and additional forensic testing was required due to the condition of his body.
Officials say no foul play or trauma was found during the autopsy, and the cause of death is pending toxicology and further investigation.
The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office first announced Sunday, Aug. 3 that Pelletier went missing while vacationing with family in Englewood before leaving to visit more relatives in Brevard County.
The last time he was seen was around 1:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, when his cousins, whom he had never met before, picked him up in Charlotte County.
Deputies say the group was heading north on I-75 when Pelletier's cousins claim he "suddenly began to act erratically" before leaving the vehicle and walking away near State Road 70 in Manatee County.
MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/manateecounty/giovanni-pelletier-missing-18-year-old-body-found-north-carolina-florida/67-13a253d8-e3ff-43ca-a05f-11954cf2785a