Philadelphia police found five urns believed to contain human ashes and images of seven missing women during a search of a Chew Avenue home. Investigators recovered more than one million images and other digital files, including material that appears to show two missing women unconscious and injured. Authorities said the evidence remains under review and that no bodies or DNA evidence have been recovered.
The investigation began after the June arrest of Eugene Horsch, who occupied the home owned by his deceased father, former pornographer Raymond Horsch. Police said the search also uncovered a homemade laboratory, weapons-related evidence, narcotics and extensive digital media.
| 1) | Evidence recovered from the Philadelphia home |
|---|---|
| 2) | Missing women identified in images and videos |
| 3) | The arrest that led to the search |
| 4) | Investigators continue processing digital evidence |
| 5) | What remains unknown in the case |
Evidence recovered from the Philadelphia home
Police searched the Chew Avenue residence after obtaining a warrant on June 19. Inside, investigators found a homemade laboratory in the basement, five urns believed to contain human ashes and a large collection of electronic devices. The material included computers, hard drives, flash drives, DVRs, cameras and phones.
Authorities said they identified 58 people in the videos and images recovered from the property. Four of those people appear lifeless, according to investigators, although officials have not established the identities or circumstances surrounding every person shown.
Missing women identified in images and videos
Initial analysis identified images of seven missing women. Two, 27-year-old Gabrielle Armando and 26-year-old Marabel Fresses, appear in images lying unconscious and showing apparent injuries. Metadata indicates the images were taken in 2017. Both women remain missing, and police said neither their bodies nor DNA evidence has been recovered.
Investigators also connected the home to Nicole Fusaro, who police said appears in a video in which Raymond Horsch handcuffs a woman to a bed and uses a zip tie around her neck until she becomes unconscious. Another missing woman, Amy McHale, was Raymond Horsch‘s former wife and has been missing since 2016. Police also identified a 25-year-old woman and another woman whose identity has not yet been established.
The arrest that led to the search
The case developed after a federal park ranger arrested 44-year-old Eugene Horsch outside Philadelphia’s Independence Mall on June 19. He was with a female passenger in a BMW. Police said officers recovered two firearms, narcotics and identification that allegedly impersonated a federal law enforcement officer.
The passenger used identification in the name of Blair Tonzelli, a woman reported missing since 2023. Police have not released the passenger’s true identity, and Blair Tonzelli‘s whereabouts remain unknown. Investigators said a Drug Enforcement Administration task force developed probable cause the same day and served the warrant at the residence.
Investigators continue processing digital evidence
Police said only a small fraction of the recovered media has been processed. Thousands of videos remain to be analyzed, while investigators work to determine whether the images accurately reflect events and to corroborate them with physical evidence.
Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said the department is working with the FBI as it examines the files and decides its next investigative steps. The inquiry is focused on identifying people shown in the media, locating missing individuals and determining whether the urns contain human remains.
What remains unknown in the case
Authorities have not confirmed that the ashes are human, identified whose remains they may be or linked them to any missing person. They also have not announced the identities of all 58 people found in the media or explained the circumstances involving the four people who appear lifeless.
The seven missing women connected to the images and residence have not been located based on the information released. Police said the investigation remains active, and further conclusions will depend on digital analysis, forensic testing and corroborating physical evidence.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Five urns believed to contain human ashes were found at the Philadelphia residence. |
| 2 | Images of seven missing women were identified among more than one million files. |
| 3 | Police said two women appear unconscious and injured in images dated to 2017. |
| 4 | Thousands of videos remain to be reviewed with FBI support. |
Summary
The Philadelphia investigation has linked a searched residence to extensive digital evidence involving missing women and possible human remains. Police have identified several women in the material but have not recovered bodies or DNA evidence. The investigation remains ongoing, with officials continuing to analyze files and pursue forensic confirmation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did police find in the home?
Investigators found five urns believed to contain human ashes, a homemade laboratory and computers, storage devices, cameras, phones and other digital evidence.
How many missing women were connected to the evidence?
Police identified images of seven missing women. Officials said two appear unconscious and injured, while other connections involve video or links to the residence.
Have authorities confirmed any deaths?
No. Police have not confirmed that the ashes are human, identified any remains or recovered bodies or DNA evidence connected to the missing women.