A friend of Blair Tonzelli, who vanished from Philadelphia in 2023, recounted chilling statements made by Eugene Horsch, a resident of the house now under investigation. Tonzelli allegedly described Horsch as a "sociopath" who spoke of using chemicals to make bodies small enough to be flushed down a toilet.
Eugene Horsch, 44, has been linked to the disappearances of Tonzelli and Amy McHale, 44, who vanished in 2016. McHale was the ex-wife of Horsch's late father, R.C. Horsch. Eugene Horsch has denied involvement in their disappearances and has blamed his father.
Tonzelli, 35 at the time of her disappearance, had a history of drug and prostitution charges and reportedly fell in with R.C. Horsch, a marijuana dealer and fetish photographer. Tonzelli's friend stated that she had worked as a home healthcare aide in the house and had a financial dispute with Eugene Horsch, who allegedly had access to a CashApp account in her name.
Neighbors described Eugene Horsch as a "psycho" who was seen lurking in a back shed and once pointed a security camera at a neighbor's bathroom window.
Police began investigating the Olney neighborhood home earlier this month after finding a fake ID bearing Tonzelli's name on Horsch's girlfriend. A subsequent search of the residence uncovered Tonzelli's bank cards, additional fake identification, drugs, weapons, vats of chemicals, and urns containing human ash. A document referencing serial killer Ted Bundy was also found.
Eugene Horsch is currently held on drug and weapons charges. Authorities are continuing to test 55-gallon drums and other items found in the home, as well as local sewer systems, for potential DNA evidence.
R.C. Horsch, who died last year, was known for photographing and filming graphic images of women in sadomasochistic settings. His ex-wife, Amy McHale, reportedly remained close to him after their divorce, possibly due to his supply of drugs, according to her daughter. McHale was last seen at the Horsch residence a decade ago before her disappearance.