Philadelphia police say video evidence suggests two missing women are deceased

Philadelphia police have identified video footage recovered from the home of 44-year-old suspect Eugene Horsch that appears to show two women who disappeared in 2012 and 2018 as deceased, according to Police Inspector Ray Evers. He said the images are dark and that, if authentic, a medical examiner would likely consider the individuals shown to be dead, but families have not been formally notified of a death because no bodies have been found.

Evers noted that the investigation is unusual for the city’s homicide unit, which typically relies on physical evidence such as bodies or remains. He added that portions of the video are still missing, and that officials cannot yet file homicide charges.

Since June, police have executed 95 warrants related to Horsch’s property, seizing chemicals, firearms, counterfeit credentials and other items. The search was prompted after a park ranger overheard an argument involving Horsch and his girlfriend near Independence Hall. Authorities later discovered a fake DEA badge, a switchblade, and guns with altered serial numbers in the suspect’s vehicle.

Investigators also found a bank card bearing the name of a woman who vanished in 2023, a death certificate for another recent victim, and evidence suggesting Horsch was attempting to produce drugs. Horsch remains in custody on charges of illegal firearm possession and counterfeit identification, but no additional charges have been filed as of Wednesday.

Family members of the missing women expressed shock at the new findings. The house is also linked to the 2016 disappearance of the former spouse of the late photographer R.C. Horsch.