A Virginia Beach 12-year-old boy who police believed initially may have been abducted died from accidental drowning, according to the Office of the Medical Examiner.
Juan Sebastian Mejia Acevedo went missing on Friday in the 200 block of Mica Avenue. On Monday, his body was recovered in water near Mica Avenue.
Police initially reported that Acevedo may have been abducted due to ransom requests made to the family on WhatsApp. The demands came after the family of Acevedo went to Facebook Live to ask friends and family for their help locating Acevedo when he didn’t come home.
Virginia Beach Police said the ransom request originated outside the United States and was a scam to obtain money from a family in distress.
No foul play is suspected in Acevedo’s death, according to the VBPD.
The VBPD brought in federal partners, canvassed the neighborhood and surrounding areas, collected video footage, utilized drones and helicopters, employed bloodhounds and interviewed the family multiple times throughout the search and investigation into his disappearance.
While police did not believe it was a recovery mission, out of an abundance of caution, its marine patrol unit searched nearby lakes and ponds.
Police also contacted ICE and confirmed Acevedo was not in its custody.
“I am deeply heartbroken for the Acevedo family, Juan’s friends, as well as those that had the pleasure of knowing him,” said Paul Neudigate, VBPD chief. “This tragedy has had a profound impact on the family, our officers and the broader community.”
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Crystal Graham
