The U.S. Marshals Service Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force has intensified the search for Geovanni Otero, offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to his capture as reported by PHL17. Otero, 29, is wanted in connection with the murder of Melody Rivera, also 29, after her body was discovered in a shallow grave on the 900 block of Tustin Road in Philadelphia.
A warrant for Otero's arrest was issued by the Philadelphia Police Department on November 29, just two days after Rivera's body was found. With his black hair, brown eyes, tattoos covering the tops of both hands, and a tattoo of a dagger behind his left ear, Otero measures approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs around 175 pounds, detailed FOX29, who has also violated his state parole.
@USMS_Philly is offering a $5,000 reward for info leading to the arrest of Geovanni Otero aka "Gozer". Otero is wanted for the murder of a 29 year-old-female who was found in a shallow grave in Phila. Fox Chase neighborhood last month. Tips can be called to 1-866-865-TIPS(8477). pic.twitter.com/4JEwRdxDPV
— U.S. Marshals Service Philadelphia (@USMS_Philly) December 2, 2024
The urgency of the manhunt is palpable as authorities press the public for assistance. "Geovanni Otero is officially charged with the homicide of Melody Rivera. We are hoping the public can provide information that will assist us in removing this lifelong criminal from society," Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark explained, in a statement obtained by PHL17. The Task Force underlines that this reward will be processed upon Otero's arrest and not contingent upon conviction.
Otero, known to carry the alias "Gozer," was last known to reside in the 5800 block of N. Park Avenue in Philadelphia, as mentioned by FOX29. With the suspect at large and the specter of danger possibly extending to any corner of the city, officials have cast a wide net, urging anyone with knowledge of Otero's whereabouts to make contact through the U.S. Marshals Philadelphia Tipline at 1-866-865-TIPS (8477) or their website, an appeal echoed by CBS Austin.
