Up and Vanished Weekly: Vanished – Richard Petrone and Danielle Imbo
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Host: Maggie Freeling
Guest: Andrea Gunning, Host of "Betrayal" and "There and Gone"
Introduction
In this gripping episode of Up and Vanished Weekly, host Maggie Freeling delves into the mysterious disappearance of Richard Petrone and Danielle Imbo from South Street, Philadelphia. Joined by Andrea Gunning, the episode unpacks the complexities surrounding this perplexing case, exploring theories, investigative challenges, and the enduring search for answers.
Background and Personal Histories
Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone were a couple in their mid-30s who vanished without a trace on February 19, 2005. Danielle was a single mother navigating a difficult divorce with her husband Joe, while Richard was a dedicated father and bakery employee known for his love of NASCAR and live music.
Christine Petrone, Danielle’s sister, provides a poignant overview:
“She was such a giving person, a caring person. But the year leading up to her disappearance, that changed a lot. She was kind of a shell of herself.”
— Christine Petrone [09:32]
Richard and Danielle reconnected through Christine as both were emerging from their respective divorces, forming a bond that provided Danielle much-needed support during her tumultuous period.
The Night of Disappearance
On the evening of February 19, 2005, Danielle and Richard met friends Anthony and Michelle at Abilene's restaurant and bar on South Street. The couple planned to drive Danielle back to her home in New Jersey after spending several hours socializing.
Christine Petrone recounts the events:
“They leave the bar at the same time and then they kind of go in two separate directions and then they're never seen again.”
— Christine Petrone [21:02]
Witnesses noted that Danielle appeared uneasy, with some reports suggesting she was looking over her shoulder, though others saw them leaving in high spirits.
Immediate Aftermath and Initial Investigation
The following morning, Danielle failed to show up for a hair appointment, prompting Christine to contact both Danielle and Richard, only to reach voicemail. Increasing concerns led the families to involve the police after nearly 24 hours without communication.
Christine Petrone describes the family's realization:
“It was really scary. It made you think, what happens if I just leave a bar in Philadelphia? And there were no answers.”
— Christine Petrone [05:20]
Investigation Challenges
The investigation faced significant hurdles:
- Lack of Physical Evidence: No bodies, no vehicle found.
- Insufficient Surveillance: Despite South Street being a bustling area with numerous cameras, none captured Richard’s pickup truck leaving the bar.
- Multiple Jurisdictions: With the disappearance straddling Philadelphia and Mount Laurel, New Jersey, coordination between different law enforcement agencies was complex.
- Clean Disappearance: Financial records showed no recent activity, and cell phones remained unused, categorizing it as a "clean disappearance" ([30:03]).
Theories Explored
Several theories emerged during the investigation:
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Accidental Death: Early thoughts considered the possibility of a traffic accident, especially given Philadelphia's many bridges and waterways. However, extensive searches, including helicopter and aquatic dives, turned up no evidence ([31:31]).
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Foul Play – Joe’s Involvement: Danielle's estranged husband Joe was a primary suspect due to his threatening behavior towards Richard. However, Joe provided a solid alibi, being present at his sister’s son’s birthday party in Toms River, New Jersey, verified by multiple witnesses ([33:29]).
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Organized Crime Connection: Andrea Gunning introduces the theory involving Robert Carey, a known drug dealer and violent individual from Fishtown, Philadelphia. Neighbors and local bars hinted at Carey’s connection to other violent crimes and suggested he might have had motives to target Danielle and Richard ([38:19]).
Christine Petrone elaborates:
“John wanted to know if it was, like, murder for hire or organized crime... they didn't have a reason to lie.”
— Christine Petrone [35:17] -
Crime of Opportunity: Another possibility is that the couple witnessed a crime or were in the wrong place at the wrong time, leading to their abduction. Richard’s protective nature made this scenario plausible, yet no supporting evidence surfaced ([36:02]).
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Junkyard and Shredder Link: The connection to a local junkyard owner known for disposing of vehicles ties back to Robert Carey, suggesting their truck might have been clandestinely removed. Despite multiple dives, their vehicle was never found, though the junkyard’s history with vehicle disappearances raises suspicion ([42:27]).
Community and Family Efforts
Families and friends remained steadfast in their search:
- Helicopter Searches and River Dives: John Imbo, Danielle's brother, invested significant resources into searching the Delaware River, demonstrating the community's commitment.
- FBI Involvement: Lead FBI Agent Vito Roselli, nearing retirement, regarded this case as his "white whale," underscoring its personal and professional impact ([44:58]).
Andrea Gunning reflects on the investigation's state:
“It was orchestrated. They were both the target. And I think a lot of really horrible people got away with murder.”
— Andrea Gunning [44:13]
Current Status and Ongoing Efforts
Two decades later, the case remains unsolved. Authorities continue to seek closure, offering a $15,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of Richard and Danielle. The family maintains hope that renewed attention and persistent investigation will eventually bring answers.
Agent Vito Roselli shares his optimism:
“This is still very much in the interest of the FBI to bring closure to this.”
— Andrea Gunning [47:30]
Marge Petrone, Richard’s mother, pleads for information:
“Let us know something, please.”
— Marge Petrone [48:04]
Conclusion
The disappearance of Richard Petrone and Danielle Imbo remains a haunting mystery, emblematic of the complexities in cold cases. Up and Vanished Weekly emphasizes the importance of community involvement, persistent investigation, and the unwavering hope of families seeking justice. The episode serves as a compelling reminder that even decades later, the quest for truth continues.
How to Help
Listeners with any information are encouraged to contact the Philadelphia FBI office at 215-418-4000 or email gonepodmail.com. Every piece of information could be crucial in unraveling this enduring mystery.
Notable Quotes:
- Christine Petrone: “She was such a giving person, a caring person. But the year leading up to her disappearance, that changed a lot. She was kind of a shell of herself.”
[09:32] - Andrea Gunning: “It was orchestrated. They were both the target. And I think a lot of really horrible people got away with murder.”
[44:13] - Agent Vito Roselli: “This is still very much in the interest of the FBI to bring closure to this.”
[47:30] - Marge Petrone: “Let us know something, please.”
[48:04]
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