The discovery came during a large-scale search of the home and yard, which investigators are examining in connection with at least seven missing women. Crews have used heavy equipment to excavate much of the backyard and searched an area where a shed once stood. A small front yard was also expected to be dug up, and the backyard work was expected to continue through Oct. 21, according to a law enforcement source.

The property belonged to Raymond “R.C.” Horsch, who died in 2025 at age 82. Police have said they have video and photo evidence suggesting Horsch may have been involved in the deaths of five women. Investigators are also examining evidence taken from inside the home, including lab equipment and chemicals seized from the basement. Testing is underway, and law enforcement sources said searches this week identified locations where DNA was found, though whose DNA it is remains undetermined.

The property has been under round-the-clock surveillance since late June, when Horsch’s son, Eugene Horsch, 44, was arrested on separate charges involving impersonating a federal agent. According to the original police report, a woman with him gave police an identification card belonging to a woman who had been missing for years, a discovery that led investigators to the Chew Avenue home.

Eugene Horsch inherited the property after his father’s death. He remains in custody on federal charges related to false credentials and firearms and has not been charged in connection with the missing women. His attorney has said he was not involved in the raids or searches at the home.

Anyone with information can contact Philadelphia police at 215-686-8477 or speak directly with a homicide investigator at 215-686-3334.