New Footage Offers Clues in the Mysterious Death of Missing Teen Giovanni Pelletier

New video footage has shed light on the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and death of 18-year-old Giovanni Pelletier, a North Carolina teen who went missing during a family trip to Florida.

Pelletier was last seen on August 1 with his cousins, who had picked him up to visit his father’s relatives. His disappearance quickly drew national attention after he sent his mother urgent “help” texts and made repeated phone calls. A week later, on August 8, a private investigation team discovered his body in a pond in Manatee County.

On August 19, Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells revealed new surveillance video showing Pelletier alone as he approached the pond. “There’s no one in this area with Giovanni,” Wells said. “There’s no one chasing him. He’s by himself.

What we don’t know is what happened when he hit that pond… We really don’t know what happened when he got into that pond.” The cause of death remains undetermined, pending autopsy and toxicology results.

Further investigation revealed Pelletier had planned to smoke marijuana with his cousins and friends during the drive to Brevard County. According to authorities, Pelletier, who had been abstaining due to prior court issues, reportedly began “tripping” early into the trip, leading to a confrontation.

One passenger recounted that Pelletier threatened, “I am a demon and I will wreck this car,” and had also previously carried knives.

The group eventually pulled over to allow him to use the restroom. Pelletier then ran onto the highway, leaving behind his backpack and cellphone. After notifying Pelletier’s mother and grandfather, his cousins continued their trip. Police determined there was no wrongdoing in the vehicle used for the journey.

While the circumstances leading to Pelletier leaving the car are becoming clearer, the events that caused his death remain a mystery. Authorities are awaiting a medical examiner’s report and toxicology results, which may take up to two months.