Shortly after the body of missing North Carolina teen Giovanni Pelletier was found, a Change.org petition was started to demand justice for the 18-year-old. On August 9, his family found his body near the place where he was last seen.
Giovanni’s cousin, Morgan Hull, asked people on Facebook to sign the petition. She also shared a post from Lexie Jay, who said Giovanni was found under “deeply troubling and suspicious circumstances.” Jay claimed multiple counties were involved, there might be gang connections, and important evidence had been ignored. She called for the FBI to take over the case to make sure the investigation is fair and complete.
The petition says police did not act quickly enough, even though Giovanni had texted his mom “help me” before disappearing. It also points out that his body was found in a retention pond by a family friend, not by law enforcement.
“This case spans multiple counties, involves suspected gang activity, and may cross state lines — all reasons for the FBI to step in,” the petition reads. “If this investigation isn’t handled properly, key evidence could be lost and those responsible may never be punished. This could set a dangerous example for other missing person cases.”
It continues, “Time is running out. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and leads get cold. We need an immediate and thorough investigation, with the FBI involved, to get justice for Giovanni and protect our communities. His life mattered, and we must act now.”
Giovanni’s mother, Bridgette, also shared the petition online, writing, “PLEASE SIGN & SHARE TO GET JUSTICE FOR MY BABY!!!”
While the family confirmed the body was Giovanni’s, Manatee County Sheriff Rick Wells told the New York Post on August 11 that the autopsy could not confirm his identity because of decomposition. Further forensic testing will be done. Detectives believe the body had been in the pond for several days before floating to the surface.
The sheriff also said there were no signs of foul play or injuries, and that the cause of death is still unknown until toxicology results come back.
