Jim Friedman is a local news photographer who has worked the police beat for years. He blogs about Cold Cases. This entry is about Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone, Jr. who disappeared without a trace four years ago.
Danielle Imbo Richard Petrone
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Imagine trying to put a 100 piece puzzle together with 18 pieces. This would be very frustrating, and the feeling is mutual with the detectives involved. "This case can be solved with a phone call," says FBI Special Agent J.J. Klaver. I spoke to him just as he put out a press release from the Citizens Crime Commission regarding a $50,000 reward for information regarding the couples whereabouts.
"We will ultimately solve this thing. We are not giving up," Agent Klaver said.
The reward has reached $150,000. Maybe this can help someone remember. Early on, police searched the Delaware River looking for Petrone's truck. Marine units found many submerged vehicles, but nothing to link to this case. There has been speculation that it was an organized crime 'hit.' A police source told me they checked many known areas in the city where evidence as big as a truck could have been ditched, but obviously struck out. The Delaware River is a big place.
The FBI now believes this case is a murder for hire. "We are actively following some leads, but cannot release details." Interesting, considering the "hit" speculation.
This vanishing act is intriguing to say the least. Danielle and Richard, by all accounts, were two grounded people. Both worked and were very close with each other and their families. Each had children of their own whom they cared for very much. Family members and children want answers to some serious questions, and one kindergartner in North Carolina who will eventually have many questions to ask his father. What will he tell him?
If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone, call the FBI at 215-418-4000 or the Citizens Crime Commission Tip Line at 877-345-TIPS or 215-546-TIPS. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
YouTube video from the DanielleImbo.com:
