The City of Philadelphia and federal law enforcement are offering a $25,000 reward for tips that lead to the capture of Geovanni Otero, who is accused of kidnapping his ex-girlfriend before killing and burying her in the woods of Fox Chase.
The body of 29-year-old Melody Rivera was located near Pennypack Park’s woods along the 900 block of Tustin Avenue in Fox Chase in early November. Her body was found one week after investigators believe her ex-boyfriend abducted her.
According to an X.com post by the Philadelphia Police Department, the cause of death has been ruled a homicide and the charges against Otero have been upgraded to murder.
The Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death as homicide, and the charges against Otero have been upgraded to murder. There is a $20,000 reward from @PhiladelphiaGov in addition to the $5k reward offered by @USMS_Philly for information leading to the arrest and… https://t.co/rAwfFoVWJX
— Philadelphia Police Department (@PhillyPolice) December 2, 2024
Rivera was last seen by her family on Halloween in the Summerdale section of Philadelphia. According to posts from relatives on Facebook, the woman called her mother to say she was being held against her will by a man known as “G.”
The City of Philadelphia is offering $20,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Otero, while the U.S. marshals are offering $5,000. Tips can be anonymous and can be submitted to police by calling or texting 215-686-8477 or to U.S. marshals by calling 1-866-865-8477.
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Photos: Philadelphia Police Department, Absconders Profile via pa.gov