Another shocking murder increases the death toll in the wave of violence sweeping through the city. This is the case of 64-year-old Renee Gilyard who was found dead in a bathtub inside her East Germantown home.
According to police, Gilyard was discovered around 1:30 a.m. inside the bathtub of her home on the 300 block of Mechanic Street in Germantown with several stab wounds.
The victim showed also multiple defense on her hands, Philadelphia Police Capt. Jason Smith said.
According to authorities ,Gilyard was the mother of a Philadelphia police officer.
The person of interest taken into custody is the victim´s 17-year-old foster son
Police said the contents of Gilyard’s purse had been dumped on her bed, and her foster child and her 2014 Nissan Rogue were missing.
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The car was later located on the 4300 block of Sansom Street in West Philadelphia, around 10:30 a.m., following a police chase and crash.
Gilyard’s foster son and three other teens ,one boy and two girls , were taken into custody. They are not considered suspects in the victim’s murder at this time and no charges have been filed.
The teens were taken to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Possible connection
Police believe the investigation into the woman’s murder may be connected to the search for two missing young men.
Since January 7, authorities said they have been conducting a missing person kidnapping investigation in regards to 20-year-old Jimmy Mao.
Police said he was originally declared a missing person, but on Jan. 7, Mao’s brother began receiving texts demanding ransom for his return.
Police said based on the nature of the demands, it did not seem very credible at all. But, still, they continue to investigate it as a kidnapping.
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During the investigation, police discovered the last person to see Mao was the 17-year-old foster son.
As they continued to search for Mao, they were told of another missing person, 16-year-old Jacob Merritt-Richburg of the 1800 block of Vineyard Street.
Police said they believe Merritt-Richburg is an acquaintance of Mao.
Merritt-Richburg was reported missing Saturday, Jan. 11 by his family. He was last seen Jan. 6.
Noticias Newswire
