Juan Acevedo Death & Obituary: The Virginia Beach community is in mourning after the body of 12-year-old Juan Sebastian Mejia Acevedo was found in a pond near the 200 block of Mica Avenue. Juan had been the subject of an AMBER Alert issued following his disappearance on Friday evening. The discovery of his body, confirmed by Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate, marked the conclusion of an extensive search effort.
“Our marine patrol was out early this morning checking the ponds,” Chief Neudigate stated in a press conference on Monday. “Utilizing new sonar technology, we recovered a body approximately eight feet underwater that matches the physical and clothing descriptions of Juan Acevedo.”
Though official identification is pending from the medical examiner’s office, the AMBER Alert was canceled after authorities confirmed the recovery of Juan’s body.
Circumstances of Juan’s Disappearance
Juan was reported missing by his parents on Friday evening after he failed to return home from a visit to a friend’s house. After the family couldn’t locate him, they contacted authorities around 9 p.m.
Following a public plea for help, the family began receiving ransom demands through social media, which led law enforcement to treat the case as a potential abduction. This prompted the issuance of the AMBER Alert on Saturday morning, and the search for Juan intensified over the weekend.
Investigation and Search Efforts
On Monday, Chief Neudigate explained that the decision to search the pond was part of a thorough, proactive effort by the police. “We had no specific intelligence that this might be an area of interest. We were simply being thorough and leaving no stone unturned.”
The cause of Juan’s death is still under investigation, and authorities are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine whether foul play was involved. While no further ransom demands were received after the family paid a $500 request, investigators are working to determine whether the threats were genuine or part of a scam.
Chief Neudigate reassured the community that all possibilities, including the potential of abduction, are being carefully considered. “Our detectives are working to determine whether these threats were legitimate or part of a cruel hoax,” he said.
Support for Juan’s Family and Community
During this difficult time, Chief Neudigate extended condolences to Juan’s family and the Virginia Beach community. “This is a period of grieving for the family, and we will be there to support them during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Ongoing Investigation
The Virginia Beach Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Juan’s death and the ransom threats. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
For updates or to provide tips, please contact the Virginia Beach Police Department or Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Juan Acevedo has left his family and the Virginia Beach community heartbroken. The ongoing investigation seeks to uncover the details surrounding his disappearance and death. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.