A person of interest is wanted after the body of a missing woman was found buried in a shallow grave near Champion Park Playground in the Northeast section of Philadelphia Thursday afternoon, according to officials.
Detectives working a missing person’s case were led to the 900 block of Tustin Avenue around 3:30 p.m., police said.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:33 p.m. She was transported to the Medical Examiner’s Office to determine her identity and the cause of death.
The family of the missing woman confirmed through the Medical Examiners's Office on Friday that the body found was of Melody Rivera, a 29-year-old mother.
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Rivera's mother, Maritza Garcia, says that the last time she spoke or saw her daughter was on Facetime on Thursday, Oct. 31. Twelve hours later, Garcia reported Rivera missing.
"We looked for her for six days, and they confirmed for us today that the woman found in a shallow grave yesterday was my sister," Martha Leefred told NBC10.
Investigators are now asking for the public's help in finding 29-year-old Geovanni Otero, who they say is a person of interest in this case.
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Police sources have confirmed to NBC10 that Otero was Rivera's ex-boyfriend and the last person she was seen with.
According to police, Otero also has a warrant for his arrest in reference to a parole violation.
Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Otero is urged to contact Homicide Detectives at 215-686-3334.
Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling or texting our PPD’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
Rivera is the third woman to be found dead after being reported missing in recent weeks in Philadelphia.
On Oct. 16, police discovered the body of Lola Karabaeva wrapped in plastic inside a closet. Her husband has been charged with her murder.
Then, on Oct. 27, police discovered Ivelisse Lugo dead in her home garage with a stab wound to the back. Police have since issued an arrest warrant for her husband, Miguel Aguilar Ojeda, and are asking for the public's help in finding him.
“What we're seeing is that there is a correlation between missing person and domestic violence. That is one of the indicators for missing people that we have seen. So we're not surprised at all,” said Natalie Wilson, co-founder of Black & Missing Foundation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.
