Philadelphia police investigate Olney home linked to five missing women
Authorities have searched a house in the Olney neighborhood, uncovering thousands of images, chemical equipment and a marijuana grow operation, and are examining connections to at least five women who have been missing for years.
Philadelphia police have searched a residence in the Olney neighborhood after linking it to at least five women who are presumed dead. The house, owned by 44-year-old Eugene Horsch, was searched in June following his arrest for firearms, drug and forged-document offenses. During the raid, investigators found hidden compartments containing chemicals, a 55-gallon drum with piping, a small marijuana cultivation area and roughly 120 pieces of ballistic evidence.
Deputy Commissioner of Investigations Frank Vanore said the search also uncovered more than one million digital images showing 58 individuals, many of whom are women who have been reported missing. Of those, 16 have been located and are not cooperating, 25 are alive and scheduled for interviews, and five appear injured or deceased in the media. Police have identified four of the injured women as Gabrielle Amarando, Maribel Fresses, Nicole Fusaro and Blair Tonzelli; Amy McHale is also believed to be connected to the case.
Vanore noted that some of the videos show women handcuffed to a bed and a zip tie placed around a neck, but cautioned that no bodies have been recovered at the property and that further evidence is needed to confirm whether the scenes are staged or real. Five urns found at the house are thought to contain human remains, possibly those of R.C. Horsch, his sister and a friend, though none have been positively identified.
The investigation continues as detectives work to verify the identities of the individuals in the images and determine any criminal activity linked to the Horsch family residence.