PHILADELPHIA, United States — Federal investigators are examining a Philadelphia home after authorities uncovered firearms, hazardous chemicals, suspected narcotics and other disturbing evidence while searching the property of a convicted felon now under investigation for possible links to at least two missing women.
The suspect, Eugene Horsch, 44, was arrested on firearms and drug-related charges following a joint operation involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Philadelphia Police Department.
Authorities said the investigation remains active and emphasized that no homicide charges have been filed against Horsch. Investigators also confirmed that no human remains have been found at the property.
Investigation began after public disturbance
Police said the case began on June 19, when a U.S. National Park Service ranger reportedly overheard an argument between Horsch and a woman inside a parked vehicle near Independence Hall in Philadelphia.
According to investigators, the ranger intervened after hearing the woman allegedly say she feared she would be harmed.
Responding officers reportedly found Horsch carrying two firearms with serial numbers allegedly removed, a switchblade and what authorities described as a counterfeit U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) identification badge.
The woman accompanying him was also found with identification bearing another person’s name. Police later determined the name belonged to a woman who had previously been reported missing.
Investigators said the woman told officers that Horsch had provided the identification for her use because she had outstanding legal issues. She reportedly said she did not personally know the missing woman.
Search uncovers weapons and hazardous materials
The investigation led officers to Horsch’s residence in Philadelphia’s Olney neighborhood, where authorities said they discovered a large quantity of chemicals, multiple firearms, suspected narcotics, ammunition-related evidence and equipment believed to be associated with drug production.
Police also located a large industrial drum connected to plumbing lines inside the property.
Officials said specialists were called in after determining that some of the chemicals could present significant safety risks if improperly handled or combined.
Because of the nature of the materials recovered, the FBI joined the investigation to help identify the substances and determine whether any criminal offences beyond the current charges may have occurred.
Authorities reviewing handwritten note
Among the items recovered was a handwritten document containing references to violence and serial killer Ted Bundy.
Investigators are attempting to determine who wrote the note and whether it reflects actual events or fictional writing.
Authorities have not publicly linked the document to any confirmed criminal act.
Missing persons investigation expands
Police said investigators also recovered financial documents belonging to a woman reported missing in 2023, as well as a death certificate belonging to another deceased woman.
The discoveries prompted homicide detectives to join the investigation as authorities continue reviewing potential links to missing persons cases.
The arrest has also renewed attention on the disappearance of Amy McHale, who went missing in 2016 and was reportedly last known to have been at the same residence.
Family members of McHale expressed hope that the latest investigation could provide long-awaited answers about her disappearance.
No human remains recovered
Authorities sought to dispel rumours circulating within the community, stating that no human remains have been discovered during searches of the property.
Investigators did recover several urns containing cremated remains, at least one of which reportedly bore the name of a member of Horsch’s family.
Suspect faces firearms and drug charges
Horsch, a convicted felon with previous criminal convictions, is currently facing federal firearms and narcotics-related charges.
His attorney has argued that many of the chemicals and scientific equipment found at the residence may have belonged to Horsch’s late father, who reportedly had a history involving illegal drug manufacturing decades earlier.
Law enforcement agencies have stressed that the investigation remains ongoing as forensic specialists continue examining evidence recovered from the property while detectives work to determine whether there are any connections to unresolved missing persons cases.
