VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Juan Sebastian Mejia Acevedo died from an accidental drowning in a pond outside the Cambria at Cornerstone apartments in Virginia Beach, the medical examiner said Wednesday.
On Jan. 25, people across Hampton Roads were woken up to an AMBER alert for 12-year-old Acevedo, who was found Monday afternoon in the pond.
Virginia Beach
TIMELINE: The disappearance and discovery of Juan Mejia Acevedo
The medical examiner's ruling puts a cap on a tragic story that began with an AMBER Alert for a possible abduction, and ended with the discovery of his body in what was essentially his own backyard.
This ruling may put to rest the possibility of a homicide investigation, which Virginia Beach Police had previously not ruled out.
Watch related: VBPD chief reveals body found in pond is Juan Acevedo
Although there's more clarity on the circumstances surrounding Acevedo’s death, one part of his disappearance remains in question: the person(s) behind a ransom sent to his family.
While Acevedo’s parents were on Facebook Live spreading awareness about their son's disappearance, they received a ransom request for their child via WhatsApp.
Video: Ransom requests prompt abduction investigation for Virginia Beach boy
"There was a request through social media for $500, which either the family or someone on behalf of the family paid," said Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate.
After the payment was made, police say there was no further communication. They’re still investigating who was behind the ransom, but they do know it involves out-of-state parties.
News 3 will update this article as we learn more.
