Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime Alerts (c)
Asking a community to come forward
Investigators are confident that the same tightknit South Philly community that raised Richard—and served as a partial backdrop to his love story with Danielle—is keeping the secret of what happened to the couple.
“The city of Philadelphia is more like a town than a city,” Blessington explained. “Everybody knows everybody. Everybody kind of looks out for everybody.”
While some area residents have shared information with the FBI, Blessington said, others may be worried about being seen as traitors to their community. But as the what-ifs of the case continue to haunt the victims’ families into a third decade, investigators ask that potential tipsters come out of hiding.
“…What I can tell those people—and there are people who know things—[is]: If we only do one thing very, very well, we protect the people that are brave enough and try and help us out,” Blessington said.
You can learn more about Danielle and Rich, as well as view their pictures, at fbi.gov/missing.
Investigators encourage anyone with information about the whereabouts of Danielle, Richard, and/or his truck—a black 2001 Dodge Dakota with Pennsylvania license plates YFH 2319—to call the FBI Philadelphia Field Office directly at 215-418-4000. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the disappearance of Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone.
And the case team can help potential tipsters work through any concerns, navigate difficult emotions, and work through different legalities related to coming forward.
“After 20 years, we really need to bring Rich and Danielle home,” Blessington said.