Authorities are investigating a Philadelphia home where a collection of disturbing items, including chemicals, firearms, urns containing human ash, and a letter referencing serial killer Ted Bundy, were discovered. The residence is linked to the disappearances of at least two women. The current owner, Eugene Horsch, a 44-year-old convicted drug felon, is being eyed in connection with the missing women.
Neighbors described Eugene Horsch as having "psycho" vibes, with one neighbor, Yana Smith, telling The Post that he would lurk in a back shed. Smith also recounted an argument between her husband and Horsch when Horsch attempted to point a security camera at their bathroom window.
Eugene Horsch has reportedly claimed to police that his deceased father, R.C. Horsch, should be investigated in relation to the disappearances. R.C. Horsch, who died last year at age 80, was an infamous photographer known for his work in sadomasochistic pornography, according to his own website.
Eugene Horsch came to the attention of law enforcement on June 19 when a U.S. Park Ranger overheard his girlfriend say, "You're going to hurt me," while they were in a parked car near Independence Hall. During a subsequent encounter, Eugene Horsch was found to be in possession of a fake Drug Enforcement Administration badge, a switchblade, and two firearms with obliterated serial numbers. His girlfriend was found with a fake ID belonging to one of the missing women, a 38-year-old who vanished from the Kensington area in 2023 and to whom Eugene Horsch had allegedly given the fraudulent identification.
The home was also the last known location of R.C. Horsch's ex-wife, Amy McHale, who disappeared in 2016. McHale's daughter, Amanda Stofer, told The Inquirer that her mother and R.C. Horsch remained close even after their divorce, possibly due to his alleged provision of drugs and alcohol.
Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore confirmed the discovery of chemicals, drugs, firearms, and human ash during a raid of the Horsch residence. Police are continuing to test materials found in the home and are searching local sewers for potential DNA evidence. No details have been released about the second missing woman or her potential connection to the Horsch family.
Eugene Horsch's lawyer, Jerome Brown, stated to The Philadelphia Inquirer that the investigation is "much ado about nothing" and that authorities are "barking up the wrong tree." R.C. Horsch's self-published website described him as a photographer, indie filmmaker, porn actor, and a "fugitive, sociopath, ex-convict and all-out villain," detailing a criminal history that included art forgery, desertion from the army, and illegal marijuana cultivation. Eugene Horsch has a criminal record including multiple arrests for drug possession and dealing, assault, and drunken driving.