21 Years Later, Search Continues for Couple Who Vanished After Leaving Philly Bar

Officials believe foul play was involved in the 2005 disappearance of Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone Jr.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

More than 21 years since the disappearance of a couple who left a Philadelphia bar, officials continue to investigate and believe foul play was involved. Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone Jr. were last seen leaving Abilene's Bar on South Street in Petrone's black pickup truck on February 19, 2005. Their families reported them missing the next day when they did not return home. Despite extensive searches and investigations, the couple and Petrone's truck have never been found.

Why it matters

The unsolved disappearance of Imbo and Petrone has remained a mystery for over two decades, leaving their families and the community searching for answers and closure. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in investigating cold cases without physical evidence or surveillance footage, and the importance of persistent efforts to uncover the truth.

The details

Imbo and Petrone, who were dating at the time, were last seen leaving Abilene's Bar around 11:30-11:45 pm on February 19, 2005. Imbo was wearing a dark jacket, cream sweater, and blue jeans, and carrying a black purse. Petrone was wearing a gray Polo sweatshirt and blue jeans, and had tattoos of 'Angela' on his left arm and clowns on his right arm. Petrone's black 2001 Dodge Dakota pickup truck with the license plate 'YFH 2319' also disappeared. Investigators explored various leads, including a possible murder-for-hire scheme, drug gang involvement, and Imbo's estranged husband, but were unable to substantiate any of these theories. The lack of physical evidence or surveillance footage has made the case particularly challenging to solve.

  • On February 19, 2005, Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone Jr. were last seen leaving Abilene's Bar in Philadelphia around 11:30-11:45 pm.
  • On February 20, 2005, Mount Laurel Police received a call from Imbo's family reporting her missing, and Philadelphia police received a similar call about Petrone.

The players

Danielle Imbo

A 34-year-old mother and loan mortgage processor who was last seen with her boyfriend, Richard Petrone Jr., before disappearing.

Richard Petrone Jr.

Imbo's boyfriend at the time, a 14-year-old daughter from a previous marriage, and the owner of the black 2001 Dodge Dakota pickup truck that also disappeared.

Vito Roselli

A retired FBI agent who took the lead in the investigation into Imbo and Petrone's disappearance.

Timothy Hudnall

The Mount Laurel Police Chief at the time of the couple's disappearance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“She went missing. Or she was last seen anyway, with her boyfriend at the time. They were out at a restaurant or a bar over in Philly.”

— Timothy Hudnall, Mount Laurel Police Chief (NBC10 Philadelphia)

“About 11:30, 11:45, they left Abilene's Bar. That was the last they were reportedly seen.”

— Vito Roselli, Retired FBI Agent (NBC10 Philadelphia)

“He was a hard-working guy with a lot of friends. Outgoing. Just a typical South Philly dude. Danielle, same thing. Hard-working. Liked to have fun. But nothing nefarious in either one of their backgrounds or their families for that matter.”

— Vito Roselli, Retired FBI Agent (NBC10 Philadelphia)

What’s next

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in Petrone and Imbo's disappearance. Investigators are still hoping for a tip that could crack the cold case.

The takeaway

The unsolved disappearance of Danielle Imbo and Richard Petrone Jr. over 21 years ago remains a haunting mystery, highlighting the challenges law enforcement can face in investigating cold cases without physical evidence or surveillance footage. Despite the passage of time, their families and the community continue to search for answers and closure.