Police in Florida discovered the body of a woman believed to be Sylvia Pagan, who was reported missing alongside her daughter, Briana, earlier in the week. Pagan was last seen in Tampa, Florida, and an Amber Alert was issued for her 9-year-old daughter, Briana. Authorities believed that Pagan may have been with Jovanni Caceres Steffani, who was deemed a person of interest in the case. Investigators found no evidence of harm at Pagan’s home, where they believed Steffani and Pagan had spent the night together before leaving the following morning. Steffani was later found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in Suwannee County, about 200 miles north of Tampa, with Briana found safe at the scene.
Pagan’s whereabouts remained unknown even after Briana was found safe, and police expressed deep concern for her well-being. A volunteer in the search for Pagan reported that searchers had found a body believed to be Pagan’s in a roadside ditch, covered by a blue child’s pool. The clothing and shoes on the body matched the description provided by Pagan’s family. The medical examiner’s office is working to confirm the identity of the remains and determine a cause of death. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw expressed condolences to Sylvia’s loved ones, particularly her daughter Briana, during this tragic loss.
The Tampa Police Department issued a “Missing & Endangered Alert” for Pagan, describing her as a 5’3 woman weighing about 155 pounds. An Amber Alert was later issued for Briana, and authorities believed that Steffani may have been with them. Steffani was found dead in Suwannee County with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound after releasing Briana from the hotel where they were found. Pagan’s body was eventually discovered, but details about the location and cause of death were not immediately released. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to confirm the identity of the remains.
Investigators found no signs of harm at Pagan’s home, and there were no records of domestic violence calls to the address. Police are continuing to piece together the events leading up to Pagan’s disappearance and eventual death. The tragic outcome of this case has left the community devastated, particularly for Pagan’s loved ones and her young daughter Briana. The search for Pagan and Briana mobilized volunteers and law enforcement agencies, highlighting the importance of cooperation in missing persons cases. The details surrounding Pagan’s disappearance and death are still being investigated to provide closure and justice for her family.
The discovery of Pagan’s body marked a devastating turn in the case that had captured headlines and sparked widespread concern for her well-being. Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw expressed deep condolences to Sylvia’s loved ones, emphasizing the unimaginable loss they are experiencing. As the investigation continues to unfold, authorities are working to gather more information about the events leading up to Pagan’s disappearance and ultimate death. The community has come together to support Pagan’s family and honor her memory, highlighting the impact of such tragedies on individuals and society as a whole.
