Philadelphia Police Find Animal Bones at Horsch Property
Authorities confirmed skeletal remains found at the Olney home are from animals while human DNA was detected inside the residence.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Property Crime
Investigators from the FBI and Philadelphia police excavated a property on the 400 block of Chew Avenue, uncovering animal bones in the backyard. While the bones were confirmed to be animal-based, luminol testing also identified human DNA in several locations within the home.
Why it matters
The investigation at the Olney residence is linked to a probe into Raymond Horsch, a man suspected of being a serial killer involved in the disappearances of seven women. The search aims to gather evidence related to these cold cases following Horsch's death in 2025.
Authorities removed two clogged sewer laterals and drums of oily sludge from the property, which is tied to the search for seven missing women. The human DNA discovered via luminol testing is currently pending further forensic analysis.
The players
Raymond Horsch
He was a suspected serial killer who died in 2025.
Eugene Horsch
He is an individual who was arrested in Center City during the summer of 2026.
Blair Tonzelli
She is one of the seven women linked to the property who has been missing since 2023.
FBI
This federal agency is assisting the Philadelphia police with the ongoing property investigation.
Philadelphia Police
This municipal law enforcement agency is leading the active investigation into the property on Chew Avenue.
The details
Personnel demolished a backyard shed and excavated the grounds to examine the property linked to the late Raymond Horsch. Investigators are also analyzing the evidence collected from the sewer systems and drums found on the site.
Timeline
Blair Tonzelli has been missing since 2023.
Raymond Horsch died in 2025.
Eugene Horsch was arrested during a traffic stop in Center City in the summer of 2026.
FBI and Philadelphia police conducted excavation and testing at the property during October 2026.
Legal Context
This investigation follows a pattern set by the 2015 serial killer investigation of the Long Island Serial Killer where forensic teams utilize modern testing to re-examine properties long after a suspect has died. Such cases often rely on persistent forensic efforts to close cold cases tied to serial offenders.
The active excavation and forensic processing of the property on Chew Avenue may lead to temporary site restrictions in the Olney neighborhood. Residents should remain aware of potential ongoing police presence as officials continue to process the evidence found at the home.
The takeaway
The discovery of animal bones in the backyard serves as a reminder that forensic results require careful interpretation to distinguish between non-criminal activity and potential evidence. Further testing on the human DNA found inside will be critical to understanding the history of the site.
Further reading
For more information on similar investigative efforts, visit the Philadelphia Property Crime section.
