Philadelphia 'House of Horrors' Yields Bones, Suspected 'Snuff Films' Linked to Missing Women

Investigators in Philadelphia have unearthed bones and alleged gruesome 'snuff films' at a property once occupied by pornographer Raymond 'R.C.' Horsch, who is linked to the disappearances of multiple women. Police and the FBI have been investigating the home on West Chew Avenue since June, following the arrest of Horsch's son, Eugene, 44. The elder Horsch died in May 2025.

During the investigation, authorities discovered drums that may have been used for body disposal, bones buried in the back garden (later identified as animal remains), and a film police believe depicts Raymond Horsch killing a woman missing since 2018. Five urns, believed to contain the cremated remains of missing women, were also recovered.

The investigation escalated after Eugene Horsch was found with guns, drugs, and fake law enforcement badges, traveling with a woman carrying the identification of Blair Tonzelli, who had been missing since 2023. This woman reportedly told investigators she feared the home's basement, stating that 'Bad things happened in that basement to other people.'

Forensic teams have employed luminol, revealing traces of human DNA in several locations within the property. Drums filled with oil sludge were removed, and investigators are examining signs of 'wet cremation,' a chemical method for body disposal. Approximately 50% of the back garden has been excavated, with plans to search the front garden.

Inside the house, officers found hundreds of thousands of images, tens of thousands of videos, and thousands of pages of writings. Philadelphia Police Inspector Raymond Evers described the materials as 'graphic and dark,' including alleged 'snuff films.' One film reportedly shows the strangulation of Nicole Fusaro, who went missing in 2018 at age 27. Police believe she is dead, but her body has not been recovered.

Images recovered in July appeared to show two other deceased women: Maribel Fresses, reported missing in 2018 at 27, and Gabrielle Amarando, who disappeared in 2012 at 22. Metadata indicates these photos were taken in 2017. Neither body has been found, and the cause or circumstances of their deaths remain undetermined.

Investigators are also looking into the disappearance of Amy McHale, Horsch's former wife and film collaborator, last seen at the property in 2016. Blair Tonzelli's disappearance in 2022 has also drawn renewed attention, particularly after a disturbing photograph of her allegedly remained on Horsch's erotic website months after she was reported missing.

Raymond Horsch, who died at 82, was known in erotic art and pornography circles for his photography, films, and writings, some of which contained violent themes. His work allegedly featured at least three dozen women over several decades. He also wrote about a serial killer preying on individuals struggling with addiction.

Eugene Horsch remains in federal custody on firearms and drug charges. He has not been charged in connection with the women's disappearances, and his lawyer stated he plans to plead not guilty. Investigators have not indicated whether Eugene participated in his father's pornography business.