Juan Acevedo Death & Obituary: VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – The search for 12-year-old Juan Sebastian Mejia Acevedo, who had been the subject of an AMBER Alert, ended in heartbreak when his body was discovered in a pond near the 200 block of Mica Avenue, close to where he was last seen.
Discovery of Juan Acevedo’s Body
After an extensive search, authorities located Juan’s body on Monday morning. The discovery was confirmed by Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate during a press conference. Using new sonar technology, the marine patrol team located the body approximately eight feet underwater, which matched the physical and clothing descriptions of Juan Acevedo.
While an official identification is still pending from the medical examiner’s office, the Virginia State Police canceled the AMBER Alert, confirming that Juan had been located.
Timeline of Events
Juan was reported missing by his parents on Friday evening, after he failed to return home from what was believed to be a visit to a friend’s house. His family reported him missing around 9 p.m., after being unable to locate him.
Authorities were alerted after the family began receiving ransom demands through social media, which led police to treat the case as a potential abduction. The AMBER Alert was issued on Saturday morning as law enforcement intensified their search efforts.
Investigating Juan’s Death
On Monday, Chief Neudigate stated that the decision to search the pond was a proactive measure, and not based on any specific tip. “We were simply being thorough and leaving no stone unturned,” he said.
While the cause of Juan’s death remains undetermined, the medical examiner will conduct an autopsy to investigate further. It is still too early to determine whether foul play was involved in his death, and authorities continue to look into the ransom threats made to his family.
Ransom Threats and Potential Hoax
Authorities revealed that the family received a demand for $500, which was paid, but no further communication followed. Police are exploring the possibility that the ransom threats may have been part of a scam, although they are treating the situation as a potential abduction until proven otherwise.
“We will be diligent in determining whether these threats were legitimate or part of a cruel hoax,” Chief Neudigate explained.
Community Support and Investigation Continues
The Virginia Beach Police Department has expressed their condolences to Juan’s family and the community. Chief Neudigate acknowledged the profound grief the family is experiencing and emphasized that law enforcement will continue to support them.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge anyone with information about Juan’s disappearance or the ransom threats to contact them immediately. Tips can be provided to the Virginia Beach Police Department or through the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
Conclusion: Remembering Juan Acevedo
The discovery of Juan Acevedo’s body has left his family and the community devastated. As authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding his death, they remain committed to seeking justice and providing answers for his loved ones.
