The FBI and Philadelphia police have returned to a Philadelphia property linked to seven missing women, using an excavator to search the backyard. Investigators have placed tents and tarps around the home and have been seen wearing protective equipment. The continuing operation follows earlier discoveries that included apparent snuff-film material, ash-filled urns, chemicals and other evidence. Authorities have not announced bodies or confirmed that the property is connected to a serial killer.
The home formerly belonged to the late adult-content producer Raymond “RC” Horsch and is now associated with his son, Eugene Horsch. The younger Horsch was arrested in June on unrelated charges after police found him in a vehicle with a woman carrying identification belonging to one of the missing women. Investigators continue to examine the property and pursue leads while withholding specific details about potential findings.
| 1) | Backyard excavation intensifies the Philadelphia search |
| 2) | Investigators follow evidence across the property |
| 3) | Seven missing women are linked to the investigation |
| 4) | Authorities have not confirmed the central allegations |
| 5) | The investigation remains active and evidence-driven |
Backyard excavation intensifies the Philadelphia search
Federal agents and Philadelphia police returned to the property in the Olney section of Philadelphia during the week of October 14, 2026. Images from the scene showed an excavator working in the backyard, along with tents, tarps and yellow police tape. Officers guarded the perimeter while crime scene personnel entered and left the home.
Investigators were seen using face masks, gloves, protective sleeves, boot covers and other equipment. One technician appeared to carry a chemical-spraying backpack, while a crime scene photographer also worked at the location. The equipment and excavation indicate that investigators are examining both the structure and surrounding ground for evidence.
Investigators follow evidence across the property
The search is part of a broader examination of the former home of Raymond “RC” Horsch, who died last year at age 82. Earlier searches produced boxes of evidence, including one marked as containing glass vials. Police also reported finding a drum of chemicals connected to the house’s water system, along with ammunition and drugs during earlier activity at the property.
Retired FBI supervisory agent James Gagliano said repeated searches can follow the discovery of forensic evidence that points investigators toward another area. Retired NYPD cold case sergeant Joseph Giacalone said the unusually large number of crime scene technicians suggested that investigators were working through many separate areas of the property.
“Investigations predicated on forensic evidence can sometimes result in repeated trips back to a crime scene,” said James Gagliano.
Seven missing women are linked to the investigation
Authorities have linked the property to at least seven missing-women cases. Police previously identified Maribel Fresses, 26, who disappeared in 2018, and Gabrielle Amarando, 27. During Eugene Horsch‘s June arrest, the woman with him possessed identification belonging to Blair Tonzelli, 38, who was last seen in Philadelphia in February 2023.
Other publicly reported names include Amy McHale, the former wife of Raymond “RC” Horsch, who was last seen on June 13, 2016, and Nicole “Nikki” Fusaro, who disappeared near Kensington and Allegheny Avenue in July 2019. Both are listed as missing persons in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System. Authorities have said images and videos recovered during searches appear to show four of the seven women, while dozens of other people have also been identified from the material.
Authorities have not confirmed the central allegations
Despite the disturbing evidence described by investigators, officials have not confirmed that the property was used in a serial-killing operation. Police have previously excavated underground pipes without finding bodies. The Philadelphia Police Department has declined to provide details about the current search, citing the active investigation and the need to assess the authenticity of previously recovered images and videos.
The arrest of Eugene Horsch was unrelated to the discoveries at his father’s former home, according to authorities. He has not been charged in connection with the disappearances of the women. No arrests had been announced in the missing-person investigation as of the latest search.
The investigation remains active and evidence-driven
The FBI and Philadelphia police continue to process the property, review recovered material and pursue available leads. The use of protective equipment reflects the presence of materials investigators consider potentially hazardous, while the excavation allows them to examine areas that cannot be fully assessed through an interior search alone.
Officials have provided few details about what the latest digging has produced. Further conclusions will depend on forensic testing, the authentication of images and videos, and investigators’ efforts to establish whether the evidence can be tied to any missing person or criminal offense.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | An excavator was used in the backyard of a Philadelphia property linked to seven missing women. |
| 2 | Earlier searches recovered chemicals, glass vials, images, videos and other evidence. |
| 3 | Police have not found bodies or confirmed the property is tied to a serial killer. |
| 4 | The arrest of Eugene Horsch is not connected to the women’s disappearances. |
Summary
The latest excavation marks another phase in an active federal and local investigation at a Philadelphia home connected to seven missing women. Authorities are testing and reviewing a range of evidence, but they have not publicly established what happened to the women or confirmed the most serious allegations. The investigation remains ongoing, and no disappearance-related charges have been announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are investigators searching the Philadelphia property?
The FBI and Philadelphia police are examining the former home of Raymond “RC” Horsch after recovering evidence and linking the property to at least seven missing-women cases.
What did the latest search involve?
Investigators used an excavator in the backyard and continued collecting evidence while working with protective equipment, tents and tarps around the property.
Have authorities found bodies?
No bodies have been reported. Police previously excavated underground pipes without finding remains, and officials have not disclosed a different result from the latest work.
Has Eugene Horsch been charged in the disappearances?
No. His June arrest was unrelated to the discoveries at the property, and authorities have not charged him in connection with the missing women.
