Horsch case: Investigators set to conduct new extensive search of Philly home tied to missing women

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — Investigators are preparing for another extensive search of an Olney home tied to several missing women, with authorities expected to examine the property floor by floor and dig up areas outside the house beginning Monday.

Philadelphia police officers posted temporary no-parking signs, which begin on Monday along Chew Avenue. The restrictions are scheduled to remain in effect for two weeks, through Oct. 19.

“They’re going to tear this building apart to try and find evidence they can to bring justice for these women,” attorney Michael Noone said.

Noone, a former prosecutor who now specializes in criminal defense work, said investigators are likely to employ every available resource as the investigation continues.

“Law enforcement is going to use every single tool they have in their tool kit,” Noone said.

Agents removed items from the home earlier this week. A second phase of the search warrant is set to begin Monday, according to sources, who said parts of walls and floorboards may be removed.

Once the house is cleared, sources said investigators plan to use luminol, an investigative tool that can reveal traces of blood not visible to the naked eye.

Woman recalls 2012 encounter with father, son linked to Olney investigation

“This is a spray that can sometimes visually react with human blood. It does react to particles in human blood and can illuminate,” Noone said.

Sources said all remaining items will be removed from the home Monday and stored elsewhere. Heavy equipment is also expected to be brought in to dig up the front and back of the property.

Seven women have been tied to the home of the late Raymond “R.C.” Horsch and his son, Eugene. No bodies have been found.

“You can absolutely successfully prosecute murder cases without the recovery of an actual body,” Noone said.

Investigators obtained a significant amount of evidence following an initial search in June. Officials have since served a number of search warrants and are in the process of reviewing more than 1 million pieces of digital evidence.

The home in Philadelphia’s Olney section is linked to several missing women, investigators say

“They’re doing everything they possibly can to try and put together this puzzle; it’s taking each dot to make a clear picture. It’s a difficult thing to do,” Noone said.

According to Noone, investigators will be looking for evidence that could help answer fundamental questions about what happened to the women.

“Did someone actually kill them, or did something else result in their death? Who did that? Who were the people that were present in the home, and what is the evidence to show those things?” he said.

R.C. Horsch is believed to be in one of five urns taken from the home. Eugene Horsch was arrested on federal gun charges.

“He is innocent until proven guilty; that’s a very important thing to remember, but I can tell you federal authorities will vigorously prosecute this case,” Noone said.

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