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Investigators scouring sewers below Philly house of horrors for possible traces of DNA, dangerous chemicals

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Investigators scouring sewers below Philly house of horrors for possible traces of DNA, dangerous chemicals

By Joe Marino, Reuven Fenton and Zoe Hussain Published June 29, 2026, 11:35 p.m. ET

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Investigators are scouring the sewers beneath a decrepit Philadelphia house of horrors linked to at least two missing women for possible evidence of DNA and chemicals used to dissolve bodies, according to sources.

The underground search comes as the FBI and local police are probing felon Eugene Horsch’s alleged connection to the two missing women after discovering a stockpile of dangerous chemicals, firearms, and drugs inside his dilapidated three-story Olney home.

A man in a hazmat suit and mask investigating a crime scene. 4
Investigators are scouring the sewers beneath the decrepit Philadelphia home of Eugene Horsch, 44, for possible traces of DNA, chemicals used to dissolve bodies, or evidence of a drug lab. Anadolu via Getty Images

Among the twisted items found in the residence, cops uncovered a “strange setup” involving at least one 55-gallon drum connected to a water line, according to Frank Vanore, the Philadelphia Police Deputy Commissioner of Investigations.

The bizarre rig prompted investigators to bring in the local water department to help search the sewers below the Chew Avenue home on Monday for more clues about what Horsch was using the equipment for, sources said.

Crews have begun searching for possible traces of DNA, chemicals used to dissolve bodies, or evidence of a drug lab, sources added.

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Investigators also discovered a chilling, handwritten note referencing “a drum set up” and a threat, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

“Acting on emotion is where problems occur. What I don’t think I told you was that the first time it was planned ahead of time. The threat was made before you know who came over, and I already had a 2ft zip tie in my pocket and a drum set up,” the letter obtained by the publication stated.

“I had been ready and waiting, and I damn sure showed no hesitation. And it was fun,” the note continued.

Vanore told reporters at a press conference on Monday that the FBI evidence collection team and the Philadelphia Police Forensic Science Bureau collected the trove of hazardous chemicals from the home, along with other evidence, for examination.

Mugshot of Eugene Horsch. 4
Horsch, 44, was arrested on firearm and drug charges after a search of his home. Philadelphia Police Department

The materials have been brought to a laboratory for further testing, and the house has been deemed safe.

“When it goes to DNA, things like that, it’s going to take time. So when they give it back, we’ll move on it, we’ll start the investigative process,” Vanore said, noting investigators have begun interviewing people in connection with the case.

“We have a lot that we’re doing. We’re holding the house still just because we don’t want to have to get another warrant to re-enter … There’s no danger there. The danger is removed, everything has been deemed safe. 
We’re just there guarding in case we have to reenter and look at evidence again,” he added.

No evidence of human remains has been found to date, other than several urns inside the home, Vanore noted.

An investigation into Horsch began when a US park ranger overheard an argument between the 44-year-old and his girlfriend in a parked car near Independence Hall in Old City on June 19, police said.

Investigators search a home in the Olney section of Philadelphia. 4
The FBI evidence collection team and the Philadelphia Police Forensic Science Bureau collected the trove of hazardous chemicals from the home, along with other evidence, for examination. Jessica Griffin/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP

After the girlfriend was heard saying, “You’re going to hurt me,” the ranger decided to check on the couple and informed other law enforcement agencies who came to the scene.

Authorities then discovered that Horsch was allegedly carrying a fake Drug Enforcement Administration badge, a switchblade, and two guns with “obliterated serial numbers,” Vanore told reporters on Friday.

Horsch’s girlfriend also had a fake ID with her photo on it — but with the name of a woman who had been reported missing.

The woman whose name was on the fake ID was reported missing in February 2023 from the Kensington area, sources told the Inquirer. Cops have not yet publicly identified her.

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