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

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

The body of Myrtle Brown, 73, was discovered Saturday after her relatives alerted authorities that they had been unable to find or contact her or her son, the department said in a news release.

His death was ruled a homicide, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. It is unclear what led to his death and authorities have not provided any information about a possible suspect in the case.

As the investigation continues, the grieving family has asked 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 that he loves 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 the 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 had died from assault-related injuries 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.

Mother and son disappeared on Saturday

Relatives of Sergio Brown and his mother told police Saturday that they had been unable to find or contact them, according to Maywood police.

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

Relatives were also looking for Myrtle, neighbor Carlos Cortez told WBBM.

“Her family came and knocked on the door and was looking for her because they made a police report because she was missing for 72 hours. So, we tried to help them as much as possible,” Cortez said.

Cortez, who said he provided police with images of his Ring doorbell, said he last saw the Browns on Thursday, WBBM reported.

Sergio Brown’s brother took to Instagram on Sunday to ask for help finding him and thanked community members for their condolences.

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

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

The residential street in Maywood, about 11 miles from the heart of Chicago, could be seen on video cordoned off with police tape as officers responded, 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 elegant, outgoing and someone who loved to go dancing.

“Just a lovely lady. Very soft spoken, outgoing. Always on the go,” neighbor Kevin Grayer told CNN affiliate WLS. “Just a happy person. Her personality was just wonderful.”

“She didn’t deserve that. She was too good a person to die like that. That’s just sad,” Grayer said.

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

“It is a sad but hopeful time, and we will all get through this together. Mom always told me that ‘hard times don’t last’ and our last conversation about hard times being temporary is my ray of hope,” she said.

“Mom, thank you for being strong, loving, diligent, elegant, funny and for saving my art. “I won’t let you down.”