Final Update: VBPD Seeks Public’s Help in Locating Abducted Child

On Jan. 29, 2025, the Office of the Medical Examiner reported the cause of death of Juan Sebastian Mejia Acevedo (M/12) as an accidental drowning. 

In cooperation with federal law enforcement, VBPD traced the ransom demands made of the Acevedo family to a source outside the United States with no connection to the family; this demand was a scam to obtain money from a family in distress. No crimes or foul play are suspected in the death of Acevedo. 

“I am deeply heartbroken for the Acevedo family, Juan’s friends, as well as those that had the pleasure of knowing him,” said VBPD Chief Paul Neudigate. “This tragedy has had a profound impact on the family, our officers, and the broader community.” 

“I want to express my sincerest gratitude to the Virginia Beach community, our officers, and our public safety partners for their efforts in helping us find Juan.”

Updated News Release

On Jan. 27, 2025, officers from the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) recovered a decedent from a body of water near the 200 block of Mica Ave. The decedent was later identified as Juan Sebastian Mejia Acevedo (M/12).   

VBPD is still investigating the death of Acevedo, as well as the authenticity of the ransom request the family received. No arrests have been made in reference to this case.  

We extend our deepest condolences to the family and community affected by this tragedy. Our thoughts are with them as they grieve during this incredibly difficult time.  

Original News Release 

Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) is urgently seeking assistance from the public in locating a missing child believed to have been abducted. Juan Sebastian Mejia Acevedo, age 12, was last seen by his parents in the 200 block of Mica Ave. at approximately 9 a.m. on January 24, 2025.  

Juan is described as: 

• Age: 12 

• Height: 5’8” 

• Weight: 105 pounds 

• Hair Color: black 

• Eye Color: brown 

• Clothing: Last seen wearing a gray jacket, red hoodie, and blue pants 

Juan’s parents believed him to be at a friend’s house. When he didn’t come home, at approximately 9 p.m., they contacted VBPD. While officers were searching for Juan, the family took to Facebook Live to implore their friends and family to help find Juan. While on Facebook Live, the family started receiving ransom requests through WhatsApp, which led VBPD to treat the case as an abduction.  

The Virginia State Police (VSP) has issued an AMBER Alert. Law enforcement is asking anyone with information to come forward immediately.  

Yesterday, to assist our efforts, we brought in federal partners to supplement our resources, canvassed the neighborhood and surrounding areas, collected video footage, utilized drones, employed bloodhounds from the Hampton Police Department (HPD) and VSP, and spoke multiple times to Juan’s friends and family. 

Today, our efforts continue with the re-mobilization of drones and helicopters (if conditions allow). We are adding Mounted patrol and additional uniformed officers to augment detectives to help on the ground in our neighborhood canvassing, as well as partnering with our local Hispanic Citizens Police Academy Alumni to help talk to neighborhoods, allay fears about working with law enforcement, and translate if necessary. While we do not believe this is a recovery mission, out of an abundance of caution, we have deployed our marine patrol unit to search nearby lakes and ponds, leaving no stone unturned. Additionally, we have contacted ICE and confirmed that Juan is not in ICE custody. 

We encourage anyone who saw anything or who thinks they might have information about Juan’s whereabouts to contact the VBPD Detective Bureau at 757-385-4101 or Crime Solvers anonymously at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP/P3tips.com. 

We have also created an anonymous digital evidence portal where people can upload photos and videos about this case at the VBPD Evidence Submission Portal. 

“We are doing everything we can to locate Juan and return him safely to his family,” said VBPD Police Chief Paul Neudigate. “The community’s help is crucial, and we urge anyone who has seen or heard anything to contact us right away.” 

Please share this information widely to help bring Juan home safely.