The Philadelphia Police Department continues to investigate evidence recovered from 417 West Chew Avenue in the city’s Olney section.
As part of the investigation, detectives recovered a substantial volume of digital evidence, including hundreds of thousands of images and videos. During their review, investigators discovered recordings of two women who were shown alive and, in later footage, apparently deceased.
The women have been identified as Maribel Fresses, who was last seen in February 2018, and Gabrielle Amarando, who had been missing since September 2012. Their families have been notified.
The Philadelphia Medical Examiner’s Office reviewed the material and advised that, provided the recordings are authentic and unaltered, the women depicted appear to be deceased. However, because their bodies or remains have not been recovered, neither woman can be conclusively declared deceased, and no cause or manner of death can be determined.
Only a small portion of the digital evidence has been reviewed. Detectives will continue examining the recovered material and conducting additional investigative activity at the property. Given the volume and complexity of the evidence, this process is expected to take considerable time.
Detectives are asking anyone who has been inside 417 West Chew Avenue or has information about activity at the property to come forward. Anyone who believes a missing loved one may have a connection to the residence is also urged to contact police.
This investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone with information may call the PPD tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477). To speak directly with a Homicide Unit investigator as