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Animal bones identified as Philadelphia search uncovers decomposition material
Bones found during an excavation at a Chew Avenue home in Olney were identified as animal remains, while investigators also discovered adipocere, a substance that can form during decomposition. Testing is ongoing as authorities investigate possible links between the property and at least seven missing or unidentified women.
Investigators searching a home on Chew Avenue in Philadelphia’s Olney neighborhood determined that bones found last week were from an animal, according to sources familiar with the investigation. They also found adipocere, a wax-like substance that can form during decomposition, as excavation continues at the property.
Adipocere can develop in both human and animal remains, so its discovery does not establish whose tissue may be present. Fabio Oldoni, a forensic geneticist and associate professor at Arcadia University, said the material may help identify a person, but DNA can be too degraded to yield useful evidence.
Oldoni cautioned that DNA findings can offer investigative leads without showing when material was deposited or what happened during a crime. Investigators will need to assess multiple forms of evidence, he said.
Philadelphia police and the FBI have also used luminol at the property, a chemical that can reveal traces of blood. Sources said investigators saw a positive reaction, but further testing is pending.
The search is focused on the home of the late Raymond “R.C.” Horsch and his son, Eugene. Authorities have said at least seven missing or unidentified women have been connected to the property. Investigators have not publicly established what happened to the women, and a retired FBI agent said the case could take considerable time to resolve.
Investigators were expected to return Wednesday morning to continue excavating the backyard, then move to the front yard. Sources said they hoped to complete the excavation by the end of the week.
Authorities have not said whether Eugene Horsch appeared in any of the digital files reviewed as part of the investigation.