16-year-old Jacob Merritt-Richburg missing from North Philadelphia
NORTH PHILADELPHIA - Police are asking for the public's help locating a teenager reported missing from North Philadelphia.
Jacob Merritt-Richburg, 16, was reported missing by his foster mother. He was last seen leaving his home on the 1800 block of Vineyard Street around 9 p.m. Jan. 6.
Police described Merritt-Richburg as 5-foot-9 and 145 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark blue puffy coat, maroon Nike sneakers and black sweatpants.
![Jacob Merritt-Richburg](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox29.com/www.fox29.com/content/uploads/2020/01/932/524/Jacob-Merritt-Richburg.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Police believe the murder of 64-year-old Renee Gilyard in East Germantown may be connected to the search for missing 16-year-old Jacob Merritt-Richburg.
Authorities believe Merritt-Richburg is an acquaintance of missing 20-year-old Jimmy Mao. Police said Merritt-Richburg may be in possession of property belonging to Mao, but did not disclose further details.
On Jan. 7, Mao’s family reportedly received texts demanding ransom for his return.
![Police say 20-year-old Jimmy Mao has been missing since Dec. 29.](https://images.foxtv.com/static.fox29.com/www.fox29.com/content/uploads/2020/01/932/524/Jimmy-Mao-Missing.jpg?ve=1&tl=1)
Police say 20-year-old Jimmy Mao has been missing since Dec. 29.
Police believe the murder of a woman in East Germantown may be connected to the search for Merritt-Richburg and Mao.
Around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, officers responded to the 300 block of Mechanic Street, where they found 64-year-old Renee Gilyard covered in blood and suffering from two stab wounds to the neck.
RELATED STORIES:
- Mother of PPD officer found fatally stabbed; teen foster son, 3 others in custody
- 20-year-old Jimmy Mao missing from Southwest Philadelphia since late December
Officials identified the victim's 17-year-old foster son as a person of interest in her murder. The teen was in Gilyard's care for approximately three days.
According to police, the last person to see Mao was Gilyard’s 17-year-old foster son.
Authorities are continuing the search for both Mao and Merritt-Richburg. Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
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