PA PA - Richard Petrone, 35, & Danielle Imbo, 34, Philadelphia, 19 Feb 2005 - #3

[Kell1]

Thank you for your insights and inside info as well. I believe it was a murder for hire- I do not believe they took off together or killed each other- There are perfect murders and this may be one of them. The only way this case could be solved (but probably won't be), is for someone who knows something to talk- and that has not happened in 20 years!

There are never really"perfect murders" though some can be extremely difficult to solve due to lack of evidence or improperly handled evidence and or botched investigations.

This would be one case, where its either a perfectly executed crime, which is exceedingly rare, or there's something being missed

 

[Danaya]

I will just say that the numbers of vehicles found in waters previously searched is shocking. I also think that in 2005 folks didn't realize the numbers of people that went missing accidentally and ended up in water only to be found many years later was not fully comprehended. So, "foul play" seemed like the only logical conclusion in 2005. I will admit that if one were to want to construct an alibi that seemed ironclad, there are not many that are better than the one he has outside of video evidence (maybe there is that also). I just think the leap between being jealous (with no history of violence toward Danielle) and hiring out a double murder is huge. Finally, law enforcement and the FBI get a lot of things wrong particularly when there is virtually no evidence for any of the theories.

2005 was only twenty years ago. That's not very long in terms of knowing about cars ending up concealed in bodies of water. That has been going on for years. It's not a groundbreaking discovery.

If the FBI believes that they were kidnapped and murdered then I do believe that there is evidence we don't even know exists. They would surely know more than anyone else does. That is except for the killer(s).

I'm not saying that it was Imbo who arranged for a targeted hit. It's just interesting to hear the perspective from somebody who interviewed him face to face.

 

[Danaya]

Theres was a theory floating aroud that Imbo's ex husband was involved in a large scale prescription drug ring that plagued certain Philadelphia neighborhoods for about a decade, the supposed "hit man" hung himself in a prison cell in Bucks county while awaiting trial for drug trafficking.

I did read about the possibility. Two people who viewed the alleged hit man Robert Carey's suicide note confirmed there was no confession. So if he did do it, we may never know. I do believe he was seriously investigated but was never named as a suspect.

I guess maybe Danielle knew too much in regards to the prescription pill ring? Do you know if Joe Imbo knew Robert Carey? Where did this rumour originate?

Philadelphia Daily News article from 2010

ETA:

 

[Kell1]

I did read about the possibility. Two people who viewed the alleged hit man Robert Carey's suicide note confirmed there was no confession. So if he did do it, we may never know. I do believe he was seriously investigated but was never named as a suspect.

I guess maybe Danielle knew too much in regards to the prescription pill ring? Do you know if Joe Imbo knew Robert Carey? Where did this rumour originate?

Philadelphia Daily News article from 2010

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ETA:

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I don't know where any of the rumors originated from, but i will say there were certain names that came up repeatedly in connection with the prescription drug ring, which was busted. I have not heard anything pertaining to Joseph Imbo's involvement in any of them however, even till this day

 

[Shamrock1]

Remember this case, is unsolved because there is little evidence , if any really at all , to support any of these throeies.

Even within the investigating agencies, the FBI the Philadelphia PD, there have been different theories even among members of those same agencies .

Some feel because they and the vehicle have disappeared, that its most likely they are in a body of water somewhere , this has being seen more and more with some cases, of missing persons being solved some 30-40 years later now. The detectives, Ive spoken with from the Phila police dept, have felt that this was probably the case, as did 1 FBI agent.

Another theory and the most popular, is that it was a murder for hire, that was executed so flawlessly that there's no evidence of it , which is statistically so improbable (but not impossible) that some investigators severely doubt this was the case, but a few feel that it is the only explanation.

Another that was floating around was that they took off together, but there's even less evidence of that , as none of their bank accounts have been touched since that day , I wont elaborate on that any further, because most of what I've heard regarding that theory was hearsay, but you have to remember, sometimes, people do just up and leave their lives completely.

Then there was a unfounded theory once that someone I believe dropped an anonymous tip that one (not sure which) killed the other and the family was helping them hide somewhere perhaps Mexico? i think it was, but again ..that was another dead end

Yet NONE of these theories have yet to provide any real evidence .

Don’t forget the Mount Laurel police…

 

[Kell1]

Don’t forget the Mount Laurel police…

I haven't spoken to anyone in New Jersey regarding this case only in Philadephia

 

[bearfossils]

I don't believe that most investigators think the couple drove into a body of water. Sorry, but the FBI website alone negates that. In fact, they have classified both Danielle and Richard under the subtitle of Kidnapped. FBI agent Vito Roselli, who was the first lead investigator on the case told CNN he "believes the missing couple were victims of foul play (bbm)." The FBI doesn't believe the couple is alive. They also believe there are people in their community who have knowledge of what happened.

Here's a really good Philly Mag article from 2014 that talks more about Danielle's personal relationships and the time leading up to her disappearance. They interview her family, as well as ex husband Joe Imbo. According to Philly Mag, Danielle's brother, John Ottobre, searched for the couple as soon as he noticed she was missing the day after.

Here's an excerpt (bbm):


Danielle was married to her husband, Joe, at the time of her disappearance. After leaving her and the baby in 2004 for another woman, by 2005 he decided that he wanted Danielle back. However, she was already dating a new man, Richard Petrone.



According to FBI special agent Roselli:



Richard’s family initially believed that Danielle’s husband was involved:



According to Danielle’s brother, John, police told him that Danielle and Richard may have been incinerated, or left inside Petrone’s truck and run through a compactor.



Joe Imbo sure had an interesting alibi:



The Philly Mag journalist, Steve Volk, interviews Joe Imbo:

Excellent way to summarize why this case shouldn’t be dismissed outright as a case of an intoxicated couple who drove into a body of water. I understand that thought process, but as you stated, I have a hard time believing that the FBI and other law enforcement members would assert the opposite if they didn’t have good reason to; it’s much easier to dismiss a case that is the result of accident or misadventure— why spend time, money, and energy pursuing the case as foul play unless there wasn’t significant evidence or clues to suggest it?

Both federal and state law enforcement have access to much more information than we do as private citizens. I have to believe there are other factors to influence their decision beyond what we are privy to.

 

[guardian1234]

AND the suspect fled the state.

Yes who would that be ?? Relatives in Philly ‘s high places

 

[Rush4087]

Long long post, all speculation:

Imo, to solve the disappearance of R&D, LE needs to connect JI (or one of his friends, relatives, or associates, ) to a possible Philly area hit man or hitmen - who are themselves directly or indirectly connected to an auto body shop or junk yard that utilizes a vehicle compactor. Would have to be an auto body shop / junk yard engaged in criminal activity of some kind. “Connected”

I’ve heard two names posited as hit men, RC (Kensington drug distribution) and AR (double murderer). RC committed suicide, and I believe AR is presently in jail (having murdered two people, both for money). But I’m sure there are many other possible hit men in Philly

Per the 4/1/2014 Philly Mag article ‘Without a Trace’ , police warned John Ottobre (Danielle’s brother) that Danielle and Richard may have been incinerated or left inside Petrone’s truck and run through a compactor.” Why would they come out and say that if they didn’t really know what happened to the couple? I think they know what happened. Imo they were kidnapped at the location of the truck and taken somewhere to be shot, then the truck was taken to a compactor the next day. Just my theory

Apparently, Danielle was so afraid of JI that she had her brother change the locks on all her doors. JI had the password to Danielle’s phone and was reading her messages (btw, wouldn’t that be at least one way JI could have known R&D were at Abalone? Other possible sources of that info being those (besides Mrs. Petrone and Danielle) who were at the lunch when Richard called?)

I’m blown away by posts saying “what motive would JI possibly have?. That 4/1/14 Philly Mag article ‘Without a Trace’ offers lots of information that could be construed as motive. He spied on Danielle, committed domestic violence against her (imo), called Richard at work (some say more than 20 times), threatened to beat Richard with a baseball bat, and threatened to kill Richard. That’s enough motive to me (not to mention alimony, child support, etc.)

And from his point of view, he and Danielle were still married. I got the impression that on at least one occasion his message to RP was to stay away from Danielle until the divorce was finalized. She was sleeping with another man while still married to JI. Some people get very upset at that..I know I would.

The article provides even more evidence of the heated estrangement. In one other article (can’t find link at moment but will go back and look) I read that JI had become enraged when his and Danielle’s little toddler (about 1 yo I think) referred to him as Richard. That’ll make your blood boil..

The article does however quote FBI agent Vito Roselli as saying the hit man theory was just one of many. And JI has that alibi of being with friends - though I’m not convinced it is as strong as it sounds. The fact that two were police officers in different jurslisdictiins means nothing. Relatives and friends lie, regardless of occupation (I’m not saying thy lied, just saying you can’t discount the possibility just because they were cops). I don’t know for a fact, but I think LE would announce if JI passed or failed a lie detector test, but would offer a “no comment” on one that was inconclusive. They cops are still step family and friends of JI. Either way, if a hit man (or hit men) were involved, JI being over 50 miles away is not a big deal. It doesn’t clear him

Did JI know RC? Did he know ACR? Did he know RG Jr.?

There are other possible scenarios, but none with any real substantial motive. The animosity JI likely felt for both DI and RP was known. It was definitely substantial .

I think by now everybody (including LE and FBI) agrees that the couple and the truck are not in a body of water following a driving mishap (despite the fact that this is not an uncommon occurrence when a person (or persons) AND there vehicle are both missing after after a night out drinking. I’ve seen this (and suggested it) on many WS cases. But not this one. LE and FBI have said no.

As to possible drug connections (or part of Kennsington) I could buy that a hit man could have come from that (RC’s) organization, but I don’t buy that Richard or Danielle were mixed up in the Kensington drug trade. From everything I’ve read, Richard was a kind, gentle, hardworking, responsible father to his 14 year old. He worked at his Dad’s bakery. And there is nothing to indicate that Danielle was involved in drugs.

Idk why somebody tipped Anthony C Rodesky. Have no clue how it was once thought that he could’ve played a hit man role.

Re: hit men and body shops / junk yards…Imo they definitely existed at the time in S Philly. Google American Collision (now sold, and no longer has same name) and its owner RG Jr. who some said was a “wannabe monster”. He ran a huge scam out of his body shop fraudulently billing insurance companies and the City for millions. 41 people arrested. He also was accused of hiring hit men twice to kill two different people, one being his daughter’s fiancé’. That sounds kinda familiar… He will be in jail till he passes, but does he know anything the disappearance of Danielle and Richard? Did JI know a guy who knew a guy who knew RG Jr. who had a connection to a compactor?

I admit that all (ALL) of this is pure speculation. Just a suggestion that would form some basis for further investigation if it hasn’t already been covered. But other than the river theory which LE and FBI has dismissed, what else could have happened? I think theirs is no way they just went into the wind looking to build a new life. Not leaving a toddler and 14 year old behind - not to mention RP’s loyalty to his father and the bakery shop.

It’s been 20 years now. Danielle and Richard deserve justice. If the murder was committed by two hit men (would almost have to have been) hopefully one will eventually talk (though may only be when facing long sentence for something else). And of course the person who hired the hit men (probably through a friend, associate, or family) could talk, but I doubt it.

It’s a very tragic case. Who knows, an estranged jealous husband may murder his wife before a divorce is final, but maybe R & D underestimated the rage that could exist, and it would’ve been wiser just to wait for the divorce to go through, I don’t like victim blaming, but waiting certainly would not have made matters any worse

Praying that Richard and Danielle get Justice soon

All jmo

 

[Danaya]

It's interesting that Danielle Imbo's family does not believe Joe was involved. In fact, the reason the Imbos and the Petrones no longer get along is the Petrones blame Joe and feel like the Imbo's are "protecting" him.

The "There and Gone: South Street" podcast is great. There are multiple episodes and they interview family members. It sounds like there was one chop shop operating at the time that just completely crushed and pulverized cars in seconds. Apparently the owner of the machine also owned a strip club, where Joe Imbo's daughter once danced.

If it wasn't Joe who set this up, then it sounds like they may have witnessed something they shouldn't of. I do believe it was foul play but the mystery is, who?

 

[Valiant]

People like to say they couldn't have driven into the water because there was no camera or toll evidence (can't remember if tolls were part of the normal travel route or not) that the truck left the area of the bar and headed toward their homes.
But even if this was a hit, the truck had to go somewhere. Whether Richard and Danielle were in the truck or someone else was it didn't just disappear in that neighborhood (unless it went into the water almost after leaving the bar). The truck went somewhere no matter who was driving it.
I'm really mixed as to what could have happened.

 

[DustysMom]

It's interesting that Danielle Imbo's family does not believe Joe was involved. In fact, the reason the Imbos and the Petrones no longer get along is the Petrones blame Joe and feel like the Imbo's are "protecting" him.

The "There and Gone: South Street" podcast is great. There are multiple episodes and they interview family members. It sounds like there was one chop shop operating at the time that just completely crushed and pulverized cars in seconds. Apparently the owner of the machine also owned a strip club, where Joe Imbo's daughter once danced.

If it wasn't Joe who set this up, then it sounds like they may have witnessed something they shouldn't have. I do believe it was foul play but the mystery is, who?

Wasn’t it Richard Petrone’s ex-girlfriend (mother of his daughter) who danced at that club?

 

[Danaya]

Wasn’t it Richard Petrone’s ex-girlfriend (mother of his daughter) who danced at that club?

I must've heard that wrong when I was listening to the podcast. You're right!

 

[Sweetluv]

South Street Philly and NO camera footage!?

 

[rob525]

Did RP call his sister on the last evening that he and DI were seen? I see people sighting the husbands having the password to his wife's phone. However, I seem to remember that RP called his sister asking her to meet him and she then passed the phone to Danielle. Also, was FB messenger a thing in 2005? How, without the phone would having the password have helped JI in real time know where Danielle was? After the fact, yes, but it would have had to be a scenario where JI finds out where Danielle was and then called the hitman who then waited out on what seems like a street that would have seen a decent amount of foot traffic ( not to mention another couple they were out with). Do we know where they parked the car? I see what looks like on street parking and maybe a lot down a side street. Also, one more though. JI would have to know what RP was driving. How else would he be able to relate to the hit man what vehicle to find and where to wait for DI and RP?

 

[ms.esquire]

Did RP call his sister on the last evening that he and DI were seen? I see people sighting the husbands having the password to his wife's phone. However, I seem to remember that RP called his sister asking her to meet him and she then passed the phone to Danielle. Also, was FB messenger a thing in 2005? How, without the phone would having the password have helped JI in real time know where Danielle was? After the fact, yes, but it would have had to be a scenario where JI finds out where Danielle was and then called the hitman who then waited out on what seems like a street that would have seen a decent amount of foot traffic ( not to mention another couple they were out with). Do we know where they parked the car? I see what looks like on street parking and maybe a lot down a side street. Also, one more though. JI would have to know what RP was driving. How else would he be able to relate to the hit man what vehicle to find and where to wait for DI and RP?

I believe RP did call the sister, the sister dropped off DI to meet up with RP, and then the sister called DI and left a voicemail to DI once she reached her location to let her know she got there okay. So I think the thinking is that if JI had her voicemail password, he would have been able to hear that voicemail.

South Street is certainly a busy city street, which is why I think people find this case so fascinating that a couple could seemingly vanish in an extremely busy area. I don’t think I’ve ever read where they parked, there’s lost of parking nearby, street parking, lots, and probably garages I’d have to imagine.

Also, there’s multiple reports that JI had called RP at his workplace several times threatening him regarding RP’s relationship with DI, so I don’t think it is a stretch to think that JI would know what kind of car RP drove.

 

[Cartie]

I've never seen any mention of phone data, I know it was 2005 but would phones ping of towers back then to show a rough route they would of travelled?
Don't know what phone batteries was like then but both phones were off the next day, if they both went dead at the same time, that could be from entering water.

I've seen mention about the Imbo family not believing Joe had any involvement, this could be that they have had to stay on his good side to see their grandson.

I know some drivers when they have had a drink, even if they think they won't be over the limit, to be safe they don't drive on main roads incase they get pulled over, just a thought.

I'm not sure what happened that night and I go back and forth from accident to murder. Really wish both families had some closer.

 

[ilovewings]

Watching the program again on ID--- 20 years later and nothing new---it is a painful and haunting
mystery- Law enforcement was strong in stating that this was a professional hit for hire: they must have evidence they are not sharing--- but that is a very strong statement so I believe it

 

[morf13]

Still thinking Richard's truck is in the Delaware River with their remains inside. Hope the truth comes out one day

 

[kemo]

I suspect they didn’t go directly to Danielle’s home. The Ben Franklin bridge was the only reasonable route there but CCTV did not pick up Richard’s truck. There are plenty of bodies of water in greater Metro Philadelphia. Where might they have gone? I’m willing to bet the Truck will turn up in a body of water with human remains inside but the location will be a real surprise.