PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- FBI investigators returned Tuesday to the “house of horrors” in Philadelphia’s Olney neighbourhood linked to at least five missing women who are feared dead.
Next phase begins
Tuesday marks the second day of the latest phase of the investigation, where several pieces of furniture, containers and trash bags containing items from the Horsch home at 417 West Chew Ave. have been removed. Several trash bags could be seen in front of the home.
After searching the first floor, investigators will begin searching the basement. During an initial search, they found what authorities described as a “laboratory” containing toxic chemicals. Investigators will use luminol to check for traces of blood.
The 400 block remains closed, along with surrounding blocks, as an inflatable tent sits in front of the home.
‘R.C.’ Horsch is a ‘suspected serial killer’
Last week, law enforcement photographed the home from top to bottom, and forensic processing was set to begin Monday.
Sources say police are looking at everything in the home, including the flooring, drywall and plaster. Investigators removed pieces of the home’s interior, guided by what they saw after reviewing 1 million-plus videos and images recovered from inside. Agents and detectives were seen removing containers and furniture from the home.
The home is where the late Raymond “R.C.” Horsch and his son Eugene lived, and where police are searching for evidence that may show the missing women were killed inside the home by Raymond Horsch.
Raymond Horsch, who died in 2025, created dark pornographic films and wrote books where he referred to himself as a serial killer. He also referred to himself as “a perverted serial killer” in a 2013 podcast interview where he discussed his involvement in adult films.
Last week, law enforcement sources told CBS Philadelphia that Raymond Horsch is a “suspected serial killer.”
He is seen in several videos committing acts of violence toward women, including a video reviewed by police that showed him strangling a woman with a zip tie, which sources say would implicate him in murder.
Investigators have reviewed over 1 million video files, and now police are trying to determine which depicted simulated violence and which may have captured real criminal activity.
What’s next in the investigation The investigation will go floor by floor, looking for any traces of blood, tissue, hair or fibers. If anything is found, it will be taken out to analyze, whether it’s furniture, flooring or drywall.
Next week, heavy equipment will be brought out to excavate the property.
No human remains have been found at the house, but detectives have looked for evidence of wet cremation, which is when a mix of chemicals is used to break down human remains, law enforcement sources with direct knowledge of the case told CBS News Philadelphia. Chemicals and pipes have been removed from the property during the investigation.
Eugene Horsch’s attorney has declined to comment but told CBS News Philadelphia he’s upset that the house will, in his words, be destroyed by the police activity.
Neighbours call for ‘house of horrors’ to be demolished
Neighbours say that when the investigation is done, they want the house demolished.
“Knock it down, knock it out,” an unidentified neighbor said. “I think that’s going to need [to be] knocked down because there was too much going on.”
Samantha, who lives nearby, said the Olney home gave her the creeps for years.
“I used to walk and would cross the street if I saw him,” she said of “R.C.” Horsch. “It wasn’t safe. I didn’t feel safe.”
Alexis Velez, a first-year psychology student from Olney, said she checks the block on West Chew Avenue almost daily.
“Without a doubt, there is something in there, human remains, something, I truly think they’re going to find something there,” Velez said. “It’s really crazy.”
One neighbor said the investigation has been difficult for parents in the area who are trying to shield their children from the disturbing details.
“What can you say? They’re young. You don’t want to put all that in their mind,” the neighbor said. “Some kids have questions you want to answer to the best of your ability.”
Eugene Horsch remains in custody on drug and gun charges after a June traffic stop that kicked off this investigation.
By Joe Holden, Brandon Goldner, Joe Brandt
