Juan Acevedo Death & Obituary: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – The body of 12-year-old Juan Sebastian Mejia Acevedo, who was the subject of an AMBER Alert, has been found in a pond near the 200 block of Mica Avenue, just a short distance from where he was last seen.
Body Found After Extensive Search
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate confirmed on Monday that Juan’s body had been recovered following an intensive search near the apartment complex where he disappeared. The body was found approximately eight feet underwater, with the identification confirmed through physical and clothing descriptions matching those of Juan.
While the official identification from the medical examiner is pending, Virginia State Police have canceled the AMBER Alert, confirming that the juvenile has been located.
Juan’s Disappearance and Search Efforts
Juan Acevedo was reported missing by his parents on Friday evening after he failed to return home from what they believed was a visit to a friend’s house. The family contacted authorities around 9 p.m. when they were unable to locate him.
The case quickly escalated when ransom demands were made to the family via social media, leading authorities to treat the situation as a potential abduction. The AMBER Alert was issued on Saturday morning as law enforcement agencies ramped up search efforts.
Investigating the Circumstances of Juan’s Death
Chief Neudigate emphasized that the search of the pond was not based on any specific tip, but rather as part of a thorough, proactive investigation. It is too early to determine whether foul play was involved in Juan’s death, and an autopsy will be conducted to establish the cause of death.
Authorities are also investigating the ransom threats made to Juan’s family. The police chief revealed that the family paid a $500 ransom demand, but no further communication was received. Law enforcement is considering the possibility of a scam, though they are still treating it as a potential abduction until all facts are determined.
Investigation Ongoing
The Virginia Beach Police Department continues its investigation and is asking anyone with information related to Juan’s disappearance or the ransom threats to come forward. The department has urged the public to contact them directly or to report tips anonymously through Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
Conclusion: A Community in Grief
Chief Neudigate expressed his condolences to Juan’s family and the Virginia Beach community, acknowledging the immense grief they are experiencing. “This is a period of grieving for the family, and we will be there to support them during this unimaginably difficult time,” he said.
As the investigation continues, the community remains in mourning, hoping for answers and closure in this heartbreaking case.