Sergio Brown, the former NFL player who was reported missing following the death of his mother last month, was on Tuesday arrested in connection with her killing, police announced in a statement. Per CNN, Brown’s arrest came after a warrant for first-degree murder was issued in his mother’s killing.
Authorities in Illinois said the 35-year-old was taken into custody in San Diego after he was deported from Mexico. Police said he’s awaiting extradition to Maywood, Illinois, to answer to the murder charge.
Mexican authorities were said to be aware of Brown’s presence in the country since at least September 19, 2023, a source told CNN, adding that he was ultimately deported after a warrant for his arrest in connection with his mother’s killing was obtained by authorities in Illinois.
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Brown is also said to have caused a scene during his extradition flight from Mexico City to Tijuana, resulting in the plane’s captain threatening to kick him off the plane.
As previously reported by Face2Face Africa, Brown’s mother, Myrtle Brown was found dead close to a creek around her home in Chicago on September 16. The 73-year-old victim’s cause of death was ultimately ruled as homicide by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, spokesperson Natalia Derevyanny said, adding that it was determined the victim succumbed to assault injuries.
In the wake of Brown’s disappearance, his brother shared a post on Instagram asking for help in locating him. “My brother Sergio is still missing,” Nick Brown shared. “If anyone knows where he is I want him to know that I love you and please come home.”
But Brown later appeared to share an odd post on Instagram addressing his mother’s alleged killing, the Independent reported. In the video, Brown claimed he thought his mother was on vacation and accused law enforcement of kidnapping her. The video in question was shared on the Instagram Story of an account with the username “intplayerwithapassport.” Brown, however, has a verified Instagram account. It wasn’t established if Brown owns the account that shared the video.
Brown in the video initially calls out “fake news” before making rambling comments about the FBI. Besides claiming he thought his mother was away on vacation, Brown also alleged either the Maywood Police or the FBI “kidnapped” him twice.
In a statement last week, Myrtle Brown’s family petitioned authorities to speed up their investigation into her death as they said there was enough evidence to make an arrest, CNN reported.
“We implore law enforcement agencies, particularly the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, to work diligently and thoroughly in pursuit of truth and accountability for Myrtle Jean Simmons-Brown. No family should bear the weight of uncertainty regarding the circumstances of their loved one’s passing,” said the family.
The family also touched on Brown’s disappearance, saying they had not established any contact with him. “We continue to pray for his well-being and advocate for his immediate and safe return to the United States. Let us work together to turn this tragic loss into a force for positive change and justice,” the statement added.
“Myrtle was a beautiful, loving, and inspirational soul that made everyone around her feel like they mattered. With her contagious smile and personality, our loss of Myrtle has left an indescribable void not only in our lives, but in our communities.”
The New England Patriots in 2010 signed Brown as an undrafted free agent after his college career at the University of Notre Dame, CNN reported. His seven-year stint in the NFL saw him playing for teams including the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Buffalo Bills.
