Sergio Brown: What we know about the former NFL player’s search and investigation into his mother’s murder

CNN
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The search for the former continues NFL player Sergio Brown after his mother was found dead with stab wounds near a creek behind her suburban Chicago home, according to the Maywood Police Department.

The body of 73-year-old Myrtle Brown was discovered Saturday after relatives notified authorities that they could not find or contact her or her son, the department said in a news release.

His death has been ruled a homicide, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. It is unclear what caused his death and authorities have not released any information on a possible suspect in the case.

As the investigation continues, the grieving family is asking for help in finding Sergio Brown.

“My brother Sergio is still missing,” Nick Brown wrote on Instagram. “If anyone knows where he is I want him to know I love you and please come home.”

Sergio Brown, 35, played for Notre Dame before signing with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played seven seasons in the NFL as a member of the Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills.

Here’s what we know about the death investigation and search for Sergio Brown:

Police found Myrtle Brown’s body near a creek behind her home on Saturday, according to the department.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office determined he died from injuries related to an assault, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide, according to spokeswoman Natalia Derevyanny.

The coroner’s office did not share details about the nature of the mother’s injuries.

The mother and son were reported missing on Saturday

Family members of Sergio Brown and his mother told police on Saturday that they have not been able to find or contact any of them, according to Maywood police.

“Maywood Police Officers initiated a missing person report and began attempting to locate the two individuals,” police said in a news release.

Relatives are also looking for Myrtle, neighbor Carlos Cortez said WBBM.

“His family came and knocked on the door and looked for him because they issued a police report because he had been missing for 72 hours. So, we tried to help them as much as possible,” said Cortez.

Cortez, who said he gave police his Ring doorbell footage, said he last saw the Browns on Thursday, WBBM reported.

Sergio Brown’s brother on Sunday took the Instagram to ask for help in finding him as he thanked members of the community for their condolences.

“If you have any information on Sergio’s whereabouts please send them to the Maywood Police Department,” said Nick Brown.

Nick Brown has asked people to avoid approaching the family’s property while the investigation continues.

A residential street in Maywood – about 11 miles from the heart of Chicago – can be seen on video cordoned off with police tape as officers respond, video from CNN affiliate WBBM shows.

“People, please do not approach the property, this is still an ongoing investigation by the Maywood Police Department,” he wrote.

Neighbors described Myrtle as a sharp dresser, outgoing person and loved to dance.

“A beautiful woman. Very soft spoken, outgoing. Always on the go,” neighbor Kevin Grayer told the CNN affiliate WLS. “Just a happy person. He has a wonderful personality.”

“He doesn’t deserve that. He was too good a man to die like that. It’s just sad,” Grayer said.

Her son, Nick Brown, said his last conversation with his mother gave him hope.

“This is a sad but hopeful time, and we can all get through this together. Mom always told me, ‘tough times don’t last’ and our last conversation about tough times being temporary was my beacon of hope,” she said.

“Mom, thank you for being strong, caring, hardworking, passionate, funny, and for saving my art. You won’t let me down.”