U.S. Marshals Seek Fugitive Who Buried Woman in Shallow Grave

Philadelphia, PA - The U.S. Marshals Service Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force is asking for the public’s assistance in locating Geovanni Otero, 29. 

On November 27, a warrant murder and related charges was issued by the Philadelphia Police Department and Otero is also wanted for violation of his Pennsylvania State Parole. Otetro is charged with killing 29-year-old Melody Rivera in early November. Her body was found in a shallow grave in the 900 block of Tustin Road in Philadelphia’s Fox Chase section of the city. The U.S. Marshals Service Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force is the lead investigative agency tasked with apprehending Otero for the murder and state parole warrants.

The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to Otero’s arrest. The $5,000 reward will be processed immediately upon arrest and not upon conviction.

Otero stands 5 feet 10 inches and weighs approximately 175 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes, and tattoos covering the top of both hands and a tattoo of a dagger behind his left ear. His last known address was in the 5800 block of N. Park avenue in Philadelphia.

“Geovanni Otero is officially charged with the homicide of Melody Rivera. We are hoping the public can provide information that will assit us in removing this lifelong criminal from society,” said Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal Robert Clark.  

Tips can be called in to the U.S. Marshals Philadelphia Tipline at 1-866-865-TIPS(8477) or by using the USMS Tips App.

The Eastern Pennsylvania Violent Crimes Fugitive Task Force is a team of law enforcement officers led by U.S. Marshals in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. The task force’s objective is to seek out and arrest violent crime fugitives. Membership agencies include the Philadelphia Police Department, Pennsylvania State Parole Officers, Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania Attorney General Agents, Chester Police Department, and Bucks County Sheriff's Office.