Tragic End: Body Found Believed to be Abducted Woman in Florida

Tampa, Florida - In a heartbreaking turn of events, authorities in Florida have discovered a body believed to be that of Sylvia Pagan, a woman who was reported to have been abducted earlier this week alongside her daughter. The grim discovery was made after an intense search effort by law enforcement agencies and concerned volunteers.

Sylvia Pagan, 34, was last seen in Tampa on Sunday morning, according to CBS News affiliate WTSP. The Tampa Police Department immediately issued a "Missing & Endangered Alert" for Pagan, describing her as a 5'3 woman weighing approximately 155 pounds. Authorities also issued an Amber Alert for Pagan's 9-year-old daughter, Briana, at 1 a.m. local time on Monday.

Authorities believed that Pagan and Briana were accompanied by Jovanni Caceres Steffani, 38, who they named as a person of interest. Investigators discovered that Steffani and Pagan had spent the night together at Pagan's Tampa residence before leaving the following morning. No signs of harm or domestic violence were found at the house.

Tragically, around 2 a.m. local time, Steffani was found deceased in Suwannee County, about 200 miles north of Tampa. Authorities reported that he had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a confrontation with deputies at a hotel. Briana, however, was found safe and unharmed at the scene. She had been released from the hotel prior to Steffani's death, providing a glimmer of relief in the midst of the devastating situation.

Nevertheless, Pagan's whereabouts remained unknown even after the Amber Alert for Briana was lifted. Police expressed deep concern for her well-being. The authorities did not disclose where they discovered the body believed to be Pagan's, nor did they provide any details about the cause of death.

A dedicated volunteer participating in the search effort revealed to WTSP that the body was found in a roadside ditch, concealed by a blue child's pool. The volunteer stated that the clothing and shoes on the body matched the description provided by Pagan's family. The medical examiner's office is currently working to officially confirm the identity of the remains and determine the cause of death.

"This is not the outcome anyone wanted," said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw in a statement to WTSP. "We send our condolences to Sylvia's loved ones, but most importantly her daughter Briana during this unimaginable loss."

The entire community now mourns the devastating loss of Sylvia Pagan and prays for strength for her family during this challenging time. As the investigation continues, authorities strive to delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident in order to find answers and bring closure to this heartbreaking case.