Family seeks answers as police continue death investigation

FORT MYERS, Fla. — Fort Myers Police say the death investigation into 28-year-old Julia “Jules” Curvo remains active, as detectives continue urging anyone who saw or spoke with her in the days or hours before her death to come forward.

According to Fort Myers Police Department, Curvo was reported missing on January 21 after last being seen near the 1700 block of Fowler Street. Her father Mark Curvo told WINK News she was found dead near Hough Street on January 30.

Police say the Medical Examiner has not yet determined a cause of death, and the investigation is ongoing.

As the case continues, Curvo’s family is now sharing memories of her in hopes that someone with information will speak up.

Curvo’s grandmother, Sandra Stephens, says she last saw her granddaughter earlier in the week, describing what she believed to be a routine afternoon together.

“Went to lunch, and, you know, dropped her back off, and that was the last that I heard from her,” Stephens said. “She would call me every day, text me or call me every day, and I didn’t hear anything after Tuesday.”

Stephens says it was unusual not to hear from Curvo, who she describes as someone who stayed closely connected to her family.

Family members say Julia loved music, loved to sing and rarely went long without checking in with the people she cared about making the silence that followed even more difficult.

On Thursday, Fort Myers Police asked for assistance from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office dive team while searching a retention pond just blocks away from where Curvo was found. Police later confirmed that search has concluded but would not say whether it is connected to Curvo’s case, citing the need "to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigation."

As questions remain, Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers has stepped in to help generate new leads. A billboard featuring Curvo’s photo and a call for information now stands along U.S. 41 near Lee Memorial Hospital.

Crime Stoppers says the billboard was placed in hopes of reaching as many people as possible who may be able to help fill in the timeline between when Curvo was last seen alive and when she was found. Officials say even the smallest piece of information could be critical and stress that tips can be submitted anonymously, 24 hours a day.

Curvo’s grandmother says the waiting has been overwhelming and is pleading with anyone who may know something to come forward.

“Somebody knows something,” Stephens said. “And if you know something, say something, because we need to find out what happened to her.”

Police say they are continuing to work closely with Crime Stoppers to identify potential witnesses and emphasize that no detail is too small.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort Myers Police Department or Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers. Tips can be submitted anonymously.