Detectives dug up the front yard of a Philadelphia home Wednesday as part of the investigation into what happened to seven missing women connected to the property.
In its third week, the digging at the West Chew Avenue duplex continued into a small garden area in front of the property. Investigators previously dug up parts of the backyard, finding animal bones.
Police have connected at least seven women to the property, which once belonged to Raymond “R.C.” Horsch, a known snuff filmmaker and erotic photographer. Horsch died in 2025 at age 82.
As of Tuesday, the medical examiner had determined that none of the evidence collected was human, a spokesperson confirmed. A law enforcement source close to the investigation also said no human remains had been located.
Police have said they have video and photo evidence suggesting Raymond Horsch might have been involved in the deaths of five women.
Beginning in late September, investigators have searched both inside and outside the home for any sign of human remains. During a search inside the home using luminol, a chemical agent that can reveal blood, semen and saliva under a special light, detectives located DNA.
Since Raymond Horsch, his son and several other people had lived in the home, the presence of DNA was not unexpected. Detectives were testing the DNA to determine whether it had any evidentiary value in the investigation.
The digging was expected to end this week. Investigators continued to examine evidence recovered from inside the home, including a safe, sources said.
Eugene Horsch, who inherited the property after his father’s death, remained in custody on federal charges involving false credentials and firearms. He faces no charges connected to the missing women. His attorney has told NBC10 that his client had no involvement in the raids or searches at the house.
Anyone with information is asked to call Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477). To speak directly with a homicide investigator, call 215-686-3334.
