Philadelphia police announced Wednesday that investigators are meticulously reviewing over 10,000 pages of manuscripts, drawings and other written material authored by the deceased Raymond “R.C.” Horsch. The effort is part of a broader investigation that has connected seven missing and unidentified women to Horsch’s residence on Chew Avenue.
Scope of the review
Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore explained that the review includes thousands of pages of Horsch’s personal writings, many of which were obtained from his published books and unpublished manuscripts. Among the works under scrutiny is a self‑described autobiography titled Empathy, which the police say contains graphic descriptions of violent acts, including a passage in which Horsch claims to have given a woman drugs, handcuffed her to a bed and used a zip‑tie to choke her until she became unconscious.
Police also highlighted a disturbing excerpt describing the use of lye to dissolve a body in a bathtub, followed by the disposal of the resulting liquid through a storm drain. “The female uses narcotics, during the course of this time, she is then given money by Mr. Horsch, and then affixed to the bed with handcuffs by him. At some point, using a channel‑lock tool of some kind, he puts a zip tie around her neck. She becomes unconscious on the video. Appeared to be lifeless,” Vanore said.
Evidence from the home
When police executed a search warrant at Horsch’s home in June, investigators discovered a 55‑gallon drum in the basement and removed the house’s sewer line for forensic examination. Video evidence recovered from the residence reportedly shows circumstances that mirror the graphic descriptions found in Horsch’s writings.
The investigation intensified after the arrest of Horsch’s son, Eugene Horsch, on unrelated charges. While the son’s case is separate, the police search of the family home yielded the physical evidence now being examined.
Amazon removal and public reaction
All of Horsch’s books have been removed from Amazon for violating the retailer’s content guidelines, a removal that took place this week, more than a year after Horsch’s death. The removal underscores the seriousness with which online platforms are treating material that depicts or glorifies violent criminal behavior.
Community members have expressed concern over the revelations, urging law‑enforcement to continue its thorough review. “We need answers for the families of the missing women,” said a local resident who asked not to be named.
Police response and next steps
Deputy Commissioner Vanore emphasized that the review of Horsch’s extensive writings is a critical component of the investigation. “We are leaving no stone unturned,” he said. Police have not released further details about potential leads or timelines for additional actions.
The Philadelphia Police Department continues to work closely with forensic experts and victim‑advocacy groups as it seeks to bring closure to the families affected by these unresolved cases.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
