Investigators searching for at least two missing women uncovered firearms, hazardous chemicals, and a handwritten note referencing serial killer Ted Bundy inside a convicted felon's Philadelphia home. The three-storey property also contained a 200-litre drum, hidden compartments, multiple urns, and suspected drugs.
Park Ranger Overheard Chilling Exchange
The investigation began on June 19 after a US park ranger overheard an argument between Eugene Horsch, 44, and his girlfriend inside a parked car near Independence Hall. The ranger heard the woman tell Horsch, “You’re going to hurt me,” prompting him to approach the couple and alert law enforcement. When officers arrived, they found Horsch carrying a switchblade, two firearms, and a fake Drug Enforcement Administration badge.
Police also discovered that the unnamed woman was carrying a fake identification card bearing her photograph but the name of a woman reported missing in February 2023. Horsch's girlfriend claimed he gave her the false ID because she had outstanding warrants. She told police she did not know the missing woman but feared something bad had happened to her.
Disturbing Discoveries Inside the Home
The discoveries led investigators to Horsch's home, where they found an alarming collection of weapons, chemicals, and other troubling items. According to the Philadelphia Inquirer, officers found a bank card belonging to the woman who disappeared in 2023, along with a death certificate for another woman who died last year. They also found indications that Horsch may have been attempting to grow drugs inside the property.
The quantity of chemicals found was significant enough for the FBI to help identify the substances and assess potential hazards. Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore stated, “In the basement area of this property, there were chemicals. Various chemicals in bottles … some of these chemicals, if they were to be put together and obviously ignited, they could cause some hazards.”
Handwritten Note Referencing Ted Bundy
Among the most chilling discoveries was a handwritten note referencing Bundy and discussing violence. It read: “Acting on emotion is where problems occur. What I don’t think I told you was that the first time it was planned ahead of time. The threat was made before you know who stated… I had been ready and waiting, and I damn sure showed no hesitation. And it was fun.”
The discoveries reignited fears surrounding the disappearance of Amy McHale, who vanished in 2016 and was last known to have been at the same house, according to WPVI. McHale's family said she had previously been married to Horsch's late father. “I immediately thought they had found my mom,” Amanda Stofer, McHale’s daughter, told the outlet.
No Human Remains Found Yet
Police stressed that no human remains have been found at the property, though investigators discovered several urns, with at least one bearing the name of a member of the Horsch family. Horsch is a convicted felon whose most recent case involved an assault in Philadelphia. He also faces criminal charges outside the city.
Horsch's attorney Jerry Brown claimed many unusual items may have belonged to Horsch's father, who previously lived there and had “a very interesting past.” He added that he “thinks a lot of the chemistry stuff is [Horsch’s] father’s.” His father, R.C. Horsch, was an erotic photographer and filmmaker who fled to New Zealand after authorities raided his home laboratory and allegedly found equipment used to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine. He later returned to California under the alias Richard Harris.
Horsch was arrested on drugs and firearms charges following the discoveries, Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore announced during a recent press conference.
