Nobody Should Believe Me: Episode "Introducing: There and Gone" Summary

In the premiere episode of "Nobody Should Believe Me," host Andrea Gunning delves into the perplexing and haunting disappearance of Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone from Philadelphia two decades ago. This detailed exploration uncovers the intricate layers of the case, featuring interviews with family members, law enforcement officials, and experts. The episode not only recounts the events of that fateful night but also highlights the enduring impact on those left behind and the ongoing quest for answers.

1. Introduction to the Case

Andrea Gunning sets the stage by introducing the disappearance of Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone on February 19, 2005. The couple vanished from a bustling Philadelphia bar, leaving no trace behind. This section emphasizes the baffling nature of the case and its transformation into a local urban legend over the years.

• Andrea Gunning [02:14]: "There and Gone is the story of Danielle Imbo and her friend Richard Petrone, who disappeared from a busy Philadelphia street 20 years ago today."

2. Family's Desperate Search

The episode transitions to Marge Petrone, Richard's mother, who shares her relentless search for her son. Her emotional recounting underscores the depth of her despair and determination.

• Marge Petrone [02:14]: "Throughout this entire time Danielle's been missing. Trying to find her literally consumed me."

Marge describes her own frantic search, including a nighttime search along train tracks spurred by a psychic's unsettling message.

• Marge Petrone [00:57]: "She was dying in a box corner. So in the middle of the night I went down to Philadelphia and searched the train tracks under the bridge with a flashlight."

3. Law Enforcement Perspectives

Detective Mike Weber and Special Agent Vito Roselli provide insights into the investigation's challenges. They discuss the lack of physical evidence and the complexities of solving a case with minimal leads.

• Detective Mike Weber [04:08]: "We have several working theories. We've done a number of searches in different areas. We have a lot of folks that we've talked to."

• Special Agent Vito Roselli [08:13]: "There are so many times over the past few years that I thought Vito was close in solving this. And then nothing."

4. The Impact on the Community

John Otobre, the brother of Danielle, shares how the disappearance has resonated within the tightly-knit Philadelphia community. The persistent presence of their missing persons poster on South Street serves as a constant reminder of the unresolved case.

• John Otobre [05:16]: "For 15 years, Danielle and Richard were strangers to me... It's the stretch of highway that connects Philadelphia to New York City."

5. Personal Connections and Emotional Toll

The episode highlights personal connections among the families and friends of the missing couple, illustrating the profound emotional toll the case has had over the years.

• Marge Petrone [19:07]: "I have a Susan Lucci doll. You know, it's funny because I love soap operas and all that."

Marge's recollections of family traditions and memories serve to humanize the victims and deepen the listener's understanding of the personal loss involved.

6. Investigation Challenges and Advances

Detective Weber discusses the technological limitations during the initial investigation in 2005, contrasting them with today's advanced tools that could aid in solving such cases.

• Detective Mike Weber [33:10]: "We have a lot more tools available to us now than we did back then."

The lack of security cameras and digital footprints back then significantly hampered the investigation, leaving law enforcement to rely on traditional methods and scant evidence.

7. Renewed Efforts and Community Involvement

As the anniversary of the disappearance approaches, renewed efforts to keep the case in the public eye are discussed. The involvement of a true crime podcast, "There and Gone," aims to generate new leads by engaging the community and encouraging individuals to come forward with any information.

• Detective Mike Weber [35:37]: "I think putting it out there to the public on a true crime podcast is a brilliant step to add to what has been done so far."

8. Emotional Appeals and Call to Action

Both families make heartfelt appeals for closure, urging anyone with information to come forward. The episode concludes with a poignant call to action, emphasizing the ongoing search for truth and justice.

• Marge Petrone [23:08]: "Christine and Marge feared the worst. But Richard's father wasn't about to jump to conclusions."

• John Otobre [36:53]: "It's crazy for me to say this, but I think the FBI needs our help and your help. So do Danielle and Richard."

9. Conclusion and Next Steps

The episode wraps up with a promise of continued investigation and exploration of new leads, setting the stage for future episodes to uncover more about the disappearance of Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone.

• John Otobre [37:14]: "The two left a crowded bar in a popular area of Philadelphia on a Saturday night two decades ago. And in those 20 years, we still don't know who wanted to harm them and why."

Notable Quotes:

• Marge Petrone [02:14]: "Trying to find her literally consumed me."
• Detective Mike Weber [09:29]: "The people who did it had to have the means to get rid of two bodies and a truck in a very quick amount of time."
• John Otobre [35:55]: "Having lived here my whole life, I've watched the segment each February with the rest of Philadelphia."
• Detective Mike Weber [32:38]: "I'm a father, I'm a brother, I'm a husband, I'm a son. It's very hard not to see the human side."

Call to Action:

Listeners are encouraged to contribute information by contacting the Citizens Crime Commission tip line at 215-546-8477 or reaching out via email at thereandgonepodmail.com. Engaging the community is crucial in revitalizing the investigation and bringing Danielle and Richard's families the closure they desperately seek.

This episode of "Nobody Should Believe Me" masterfully intertwines personal narratives with investigative insights, painting a comprehensive picture of a case that remains shrouded in mystery. Through emotional appeals and methodical exploration, Andrea Gunning invites listeners to become part of the search for truth, highlighting the enduring hope that justice will eventually prevail.