Police in Delco Widening Search For Woman Missing Since Last June
By David Madden
UPPER DARBY, Pa. (CBS) -- Authorities in Delaware County, Pa. are asking for the public's help in locating a 25-year-old woman missing from her Drexel Hill home since June of last year.
Police suspect Amanda De Guio may have been the victim of foul play. She left her home last June 7th and, since then, no contact, no activity on her credit cards, nothing.
Family members concede that she has a drug problem and engaged in prostitution, but say she kept up on her bills and doted on her two daughters.
Her mother, Joanne De Guio, today issued a tearful plea:
"We love her and we miss her and we need her home. We need to know that she's safe. But most important, if she's not alive, I need to bring her home."
Upper Darby police superintendent Michael Chitwood says this case is eerily similar to the 1977 murder of Holly Maddux in Philadelphia, but he's also looking into the possibility that De Guio may have been the victim of human traffickers.
(Maddux was killed by her former roommate, Ira Einhorn. Her mummified body was later found stuffed in a trunk in a closet in his West Philadelphia apartment.)
With Amanda De Guio's mother, Joanne, and sister, Nicole, standing at his side, Chitwood asked anyone with information on the missing mother of two young daughters to please come forward.
Amanda's mother and sister pleaded with her to return, assuring her that they love her, and that police would provide assistance.
Nicole says each day she says a prayer, entitled "Sister's Prayer", from a prayer card she carries with her.
Sadly, she adds, so far, her prayer has not been answered.
The Superintendent showed pictures of three tattoos that might help identify Amanda, and, he added, she often wears wigs as disguises.
De Guio is described as about 5'3" and 120 lbs., with brown hair and blue eyes. She has several tattoos, including a map of Italy and the name "Tommy" on her right torso, and the initials "SC" on her left ring finger. She was known to go by several other names including Gianna, Adrianna, and Stacy.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Upper Darby detectives at 610-734-7693.