Patriots Ex Sergio Brown Missing, Mother Murdered?

Former New England Patriots player Sergio Brown is missing and his 73-year-old mother is dead ... with law enforcement officials now launching a murder investigation.

Illinois law enforcement officials have launched a murder investigation in the death of 73-year-old Myrtle Brown, the mother of former New England Patriots defensive back Sergio Brown - who police say is missing.

Maywood police initially started a missing persons search for the two, with Myrtle Brown  found dead a creek near her residence. Police said they were informed by family members on Saturday that they could not find or make contact with Myrtle Brown or 35-year-old Sergio Brown.

Family members who searched the area were the ones who discovered Myrtle’s body in the creek.

“No one was able to reach her,” Myrtle's sister, Sheila Simmons, said. “Now, I got the call ... saying that she’s missing, so immediately I came out here and find out my sister is dead.”

Family members are telling local media outlets that they have not heard from Sergio.

Sergio was a star at of Proviso East High School in his hometown of Maywood, and played at Notre Dame. He entered the National Football League as an undrafted free agent in 2010 and was a part-time starter for the New England Patriots, later playing for the Indianapolis Colts as part of his seven-year pro career.

Maywood Police are asking anyone with information that can help find Sergio Brown to reach out to their investigation department at 708-368-4131, or Maywood PD’s anonymous tip line at 708-450-1787.