Sylvia Pagan: Tampa police hunt for missing mother after kidnapper shoots himself during police encounter, 9-year-old found alive

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised. If you or someone you know may be the victim of child abuse, please contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child (1-800-422-4453) or contact their live chat services.
 
TAMPA, FLORIDA: Tampa police are intensifying efforts to locate Sylvia Pagan, a 34-year-old woman reported missing following a dramatic abduction incident that ended with the suicide of the suspected kidnapper and the safe recovery of the victim's 9-year-old child.

Initially regarded as a possible companion to the abducted Briana Pagan, Pagan's whereabouts remain unknown after the perpetrator, 38-year-old Jovanni Caceres Steffani, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Suwannee County, at 2 am Monday, May 13.

The Amber Alert issued for Briana was lifted shortly after her rescue, with authorities subsequently issuing a separate alert for Pagan, describing her as "missing and endangered."

Last known location of Sylvia Pagan revealed as authorities locate abductor, child

Pagan was last seen on Sunday in the 10400 block on Altman Street. Approximately one hour after the issuance of the Amber Alert, law enforcement located Steffani and the child in a hotel room in Suwannee County, as reported by WTSP.

Upon Steffani answering the door, deputies discovered Briana and immediately took her into protective custody. However, the child was unable to provide any information regarding Pagan's whereabouts.

Abductor commits suicide after encounter with authorities

Following this encounter, Steffani purportedly retrieved a firearm from the bathroom and took his own life.

According to police statements to WTSP, their investigation led them to believe that Pagan and Steffani had spent the previous night together at her residence and departed around 10 am on Sunday. Despite thorough searches of the premises, officials found no indications of injury or domestic violence.

Sylvia Pagan's identity

Described as approximately 5-foot-3 and weighing 155 pounds, Pagan has black hair, possibly partially dyed, and was last seen wearing a dress of an unknown color. "As detectives diligently work to locate Sylvia Pagan, we are deeply concerned for her overall well-being," Tampa police stated.

Anyone with information regarding Sylvia Pagan's whereabouts is urged to contact the Tampa Police Department at 813-231-6130.