North Carolina Teen Vanishes in Florida After 'Help Me' Text

Giovanni Pelletier, an 18-year-old from North Carolina, disappeared in Florida under suspicious circumstances while visiting family and attempting to connect with his paternal relatives. Last seen on August 1 in Mims, Florida, he was traveling with cousins from his father's side when he suddenly began acting erratically and exited their vehicle during a three-hour drive. Pelletier sent multiple urgent messages to his mother and other relatives, including a chilling text that read "Mom, help me," shortly after leaving Englewood. His backpack and cellphone were found abandoned near Bradenton, but he remains missing despite a $25,000 reward offered for information leading to his whereabouts. Family members dispute claims made by the cousins that Pelletier behaved violently, insisting he is not prone to such actions, and express frustration over the limited assistance received from authorities. The family continues to organize search efforts and appeals for public help in locating Giovanni.