Police in Philadelphia are investigating a property linked to at least five missing women, where they discovered over a million disturbing images and videos depicting sexual violence. Authorities have not confirmed if the women are deceased, as no bodies or physical evidence have been found, but stated they appeared "lifeless" in the imagery.
Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore announced Wednesday that two women, Maribel Fresses, 26, and Gabrielle Amarando, 27, have been identified in images found on a computer hard drive dated 2017. Two other women in the imagery have been identified but their families requested their names be withheld. A fifth woman has not yet been identified.
The investigation began in June when federal park rangers encountered Eugene Horsch, 44, inside a vehicle parked illegally at Independence National Historical Park. According to an affidavit, an officer heard a woman's voice say, "You’re going to hurt me!" The woman in the car was identified as Blair Tonzelli, who was reported missing in 2023.
Authorities found two firearms, a cattle prod, a collapsible baton, suspected narcotics, and a fraudulent Drug Enforcement Administration card with Horsch's photo inside the vehicle. Horsch, who has no affiliation with the DEA, was taken into custody.
A subsequent search of Horsch's home, formerly owned by his late father, adult film producer Raymond “R.C.” Horsch, uncovered a homemade laboratory in the basement and urns containing human ashes. Digital evidence found in the home included videos that police believe are linked to the elder Horsch, who died last year. Raymond Horsch's work often depicted women experiencing addiction and sexual violence, although he was never charged with violent offenses.
One video reportedly shows the elder Horsch placing a zip tie around a woman's neck until she lost consciousness. Vanore stated that the digital evidence identified at least 58 individuals. Of those, 10 are known to have died from overdoses in various locations. Investigators have located 16 individuals seen in the material who have declined to discuss their experiences, and interviews are scheduled with 25 others.
Eugene Horsch has been charged with felony firearm possession, and possession of unlawfully produced documents and authentication features in federal court. He also faces local charges related to drugs and weapons. His attorney has indicated plans to enter a not guilty plea.