400: Vito Roselli – Missing on South Street, Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone Jr.

In this episode of FBI Case File Review, retired agent Vito Roselli reviews the biggest but, sadly, still unsolved case of his FBI career, the missing-persons investigation of Richard Petrone Jr. and Danielle Imbo, who were last seen leaving a bar in Philadelphia on February 19, 2005, never be seen again. Over two decades later, the case remains open and active. Also taking part in the case review are Christine Girardi, Richard Petrone’s sister, and John Ottobre, the brother of Danielle Imbo.

“I’m hoping that with podcasts like yours and this continued interest in this case, that something just jogs free and then it’ll tie in these logs and records and interviews that we’ve done, can tie it all in together and ultimately we can, you know, hold people accountable, you know, for this and give some closure to the families. Hopefully, that happens one day.”—Retired Agent Vito Roselli

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in the disappearance of Richard Petrone and Danielle Imbo. If you have any information concerning this case, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate. FBI Philadelphia can be reached at (215) 418-4000. The Philadelphia Citizens Crime Commission is offering a $50,000 reward for information. CALL: 215-546-TIPS (8477)

Vito was previously a guest on FBI Case File Review episode 326: Vito Roselli with Chris Booker – West Philly Bank Robbery Conspiracy.

Special Agent (Retired)

Vito Roselli

2/1997 – 3/2023

Vito Roselli served in the FBI for 26 years. He was assigned to the Philadelphia Division where he worked violent crime and fugitives as a field agent for over 19 years and as program manager and supervisor for seven years. During his career, Vito dismantled drug gangs with international ties and some of the most violent robbery crews in the Northeast region.

As a SWAT operator, Vito was deployed to national and international hot spots, engaging in high-risk arrest operations, including in the counter-terror mission following the 9/11 attacks. Vito deployed twice to the Iraqi war zone (2006 and 2008) where he embedded with the Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC). His interview and intelligence-gathering skills contributed to the destruction of the world’s most dangerous terror cells.

As a manager and leader, Vito mentored hundreds of squad mates and subordinates, and represented the FBI brand to foreign security agencies, law enforcement departments nationwide, and the private sector. Based on his expertise, he was called in for critical incidents for the FBI National Command Center, spearheading high-priority operations.

After his retirement, Vito moved to southeast Florida. He is currently employed by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Christine Girardi is Richard Petrone’s sister, as well as Danielle Ottobre’s friend.

Christine and Richard were only 13 months apart. She was 34 when he went missing 21 years ago. She’s married and has 3 grown children: Joseph, Nicolette, and Robbie.

“We were only 13 months apart, so we were closer, I think, than most siblings. And I was one of her best friends. We talked five and six times a day, but the minute that I didn’t reach her, I remember the Mount Laurel police saying to me, “What do you think happened?” And I said, “I’m never going to see them again.” Like, I just knew. I said, ‘I’m never gonna see them again.'”

John Ottobre is Danielle Imbo’s younger brother. She was his only sibling.

John has been married to my wife, Jodi Ottobre, for 28 years, and they are proud parents of two sons, Johnny and Domenic. John has spent the last 30 years in the automotive industry, building a career in executive leadership while remaining committed to family, faith, and helping others in his community.

“They woke up every day, they went to their job, they worked, they supported a family, and they came home to their family. They were just good people, and it just doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. I had probably 10 missed calls or more from my mother, and I called her and my mother answered, and she was just in a full-blown panic. At this point, it was almost 4:00 in the afternoon, and no one had heard from Danielle or Richard the day after they had met up. That’s when I officially found out.”