Police are looking into a video that appears to show former NFL player Sergio Brown, who was reported missing last week along with his mother, who was later found dead in an apparent homicide.
Someone who appeared to be Brown posted an incoherent video message to Instagram on Tuesday morning. The post tagged the message to Mexico. Neighbors told police the 35-year-old had been acting erratically before his disappearance.
The Maywood police department in the Chicago suburbs, which has been investigating the case, told Deadspin that it was looking into the video.
“Detectives are aware of a video that has surfaced on social media in relation to Mr Sergio Brown, who is still considered a missing person and are also looking [into its] authenticity,” read the statement. “Currently this is an active investigation, and the department is unable to share any further details at this time.”
Maywood police said they issued a missing persons report on Saturday when family members were unable to locate Brown and his 73-year-old mother. According to the Chicago Tribune, the body of Myrtle Brown was found by a creek near her home. A medical examiner concluded she had died by homicide after an assault.
“Myrtle, she was an outstanding woman, and I’m hoping she’s in the right place and she’s with God,” Carlos Cortez, Myrtle Brown’s neighbor, told Chicago broadcaster WBBM. “I never would’ve expected this in a million years.”
Police have not named a suspect in the case.
On Sunday, Brown’s brother Nick posted a tribute to his mother on social media and also mentioned his sibling. “My brother Sergio is still missing. If anyone knows where he is, I want him to know that I love you and please come home.”
Brown joined the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent from Notre Dame in 2010. He played seven seasons as a safety in the NFL, including stints at the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars. His final season came in 2016, when he played eight games for the Buffalo Bills.
