Marvis Bedgood, 21, of Escambia County, Florida, was last heard from on December 18, 2023, and was reported missing and endangered in mid-December. His disappearance included numerous unconfirmed sightings before detectives located his body on January 7, 2024, in a wooded area on Pinestead Road in the Wedgewood community. The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office is treating the death as a homicide; the autopsy indicated foul play is suspected and that gunshot wounds were likely the cause.

Bedgood’s family—his mother Sheunta Gooden, his father, seven siblings and his grandmother—are grieving and have moved from marking his birthday to planning a memorial. Deputies have executed search warrants and are asking the public to come forward with any information that could help their investigation. If anyone knew Marvis, saw him after December 18, 2023, or has relevant information, please contact the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office at (850) 436-9620.