A person accused of killing his ex-girlfriend and burying her physique in a shallow grave inside a Northeast Philadelphia park final yr was arrested in New York following a chase and crash, state police confirmed.
On Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025, two New York state troopers tried to cease a car in Westchester County, New York. The car had been reported stolen out of Virginia, officers mentioned.
The driving force, later recognized as 29-year-old Geovanni Otero, initially complied with the troopers earlier than fleeing at a excessive pace, in response to officers. Otero led the troopers on a mile-long chase that lasted a few minute earlier than he crashed the car and fled on foot, state police mentioned.
The troopers then captured Otero a brief distance from the scene of the crash.
Police mentioned Otero supplied false identification and was in possession of a number of pretend types of ID. He was taken to the hospital the place he was handled for minor accidents. He was later recognized after a fingerprint evaluation.
Otero is accused of killing his ex-girlfriend, 29-year-old Melody Rivera. Rivera’s physique was discovered buried in a shallow grave close to Champion Park Playground on the 900 block of Tustin Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia again on Nov. 7, 2024. Police sources informed NBC10 Otero was the final individual she was seen with earlier than her dying. The U.S. Marshals later provided a $5,000 reward for data resulting in his arrest.
An image of Melody Rivera
Along with Rivera’s dying, Otero was additionally needed for a parole violation. He’s scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, on costs of felony possession of stolen property, obstructing governmental administration, false impersonation, illegal fleeing and reckless driving.
He stays in custody in New York pending extradition.
When you or somebody you recognize is experiencing home violence, contact the Nationwide Home Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.
