Bones Found at Philadelphia 'House of Horrors' During Investigation Into 7 Missing Women

Authorities in Philadelphia have made significant discoveries during an investigation into the disappearances of at least seven women, uncovering bones and a concealed safe at a residence previously owned by the late pornographer Raymond Charles “R.C.” Horsch. The bones were found last week in the backyard of Horsch's deteriorating home located in the 400 block of West Chew Avenue in the Olney neighborhood, which is currently owned by his incarcerated son, Eugene Horsch. The Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office has been called to assist in determining whether the remains are human or animal.

The investigation has drawn the attention of the FBI Evidence Response Team, which has been meticulously examining the soil under a tent set up in the disturbed yard. Authorities are planning to conduct further excavations at the front of the property in the upcoming days. Just a few days before the discovery of the bones, investigators found a safe hidden within the home while tearing down walls and floorboards in their search for evidence. The contents of the safe have not yet been disclosed.

This investigation has been ongoing for several months and was initiated following the June arrest of Eugene Horsch, who resides at the West Chew Avenue property at the center of the case. Authorities had previously seized over a million photographs and videos from the house, leading them to believe that at least five of the seven missing women may no longer be alive, although no bodies have yet been recovered. "Based on the video and photo evidence, if the images in the video are real and not altered in any way, based on their review, the Medical Examiner would believe the individuals depicted in the images are deceased," stated Philadelphia Police Inspector Ray Evers.

Among the disturbing evidence, one video, dated 2017, allegedly shows Raymond Horsch strangling a naked woman after administering drugs to her, handcuffing her to a bed, and placing a zip tie around her neck. Sources have identified the woman in the video as 27-year-old Nicole Fusaro, who was reported missing in 2018. Additionally, recordings retrieved from hard drives at the residence reportedly depict two other missing women, Gabrielle Amarando, 22, and Maribel Fresses, 28, both appearing lifeless. Amarando has been missing since 2012, while Fresses was last seen in 2018. Furthermore, Raymond Horsch's wife, Amy McHale, vanished from their home in 2016.

Property records indicate that Eugene Horsch acquired the home in 2007 for $40,114. The previous owner, Raymond's aunt Helen Hoersch, passed away in the residence in 2004 at the age of 83. Raymond transferred ownership to Eugene using power of attorney for his deceased aunt, as per records reviewed by Realtor.com®. The future of the property remains uncertain, with Councilman Anthony Phillips, who represents the Olney district, stating that the municipal process to determine the fate of the Horsch property will only commence after the conclusion of the criminal investigation. Possible outcomes could include condemnation, demolition, or extensive remediation.

The investigative activities have caused significant disruption in the local community, with authorities closing roads, deploying heavy machinery, and enforcing parking restrictions to facilitate their searches. Residents have expressed concerns regarding the implications of the case on their neighborhood. "It's not good, it’s not good for the neighborhood,” commented local resident Han Red to Fox29. Councilman Phillips has organized community meetings to keep neighbors informed about the investigation's progress and to address their worries. "A house like this can put a stain on a block," he remarked to NewsNation, highlighting residents' inquiries about the duration of the investigation and potential disruptions to local access.

Raymond Horsch, who was a notable filmmaker and producer of violent pornography, passed away from an illness in 2025 without ever facing charges related to the missing persons cases. The investigation only came to light after Eugene Horsch was pulled over in June while driving a BMW with a female passenger, whose ID was linked to a woman named Blair Tonzelli, reported missing since 2023. During the traffic stop, officers allegedly found illegal firearms, crack cocaine, a switchblade, a cattle prod, and a counterfeit DEA badge in Eugene's vehicle.

Subsequent searches of his home yielded another illegal firearm, urns containing cremated remains, a marijuana cultivation operation, and a makeshift lab with containers of an unknown oily substance. Authorities also discovered what Deputy Police Commissioner Frank Vanore described as a "strange setup" in the basement, which included a 55-gallon drum connected to water lines. In various areas of the house, investigators found unsettling writings referencing serial killer Ted Bundy and discussing "disposing of trash that needs to go." Eugene Horsch, who has a prior criminal record that includes assault and drug-related offenses, has been indicted on federal charges related to firearms and impersonation and remains in custody.