Philadelphia police detectives are expanding a multi‑year investigation that centers on a home in the 400 block of West Chew Avenue in the Olney neighborhood. Five women who disappeared over the past decade are now linked to the case, officials said.
Women identified in the investigation
The women include Nicole Fusaro, who was 27 when she vanished in 2018; Gabrielle Amarando, 22 at the time of her 2012 disappearance; Maribel Fresses, 27 when she went missing in 2018; Blair Tonzelli, 35 at the time of her 2023 disappearance; and Amy McHale, 44 when she was last seen in 2016.
Family members of Fusaro told Action News that relatives have been meeting regularly with Philadelphia police detectives to provide information and receive updates.
Evidence and recent developments
Police say video and photographic evidence recovered during the investigation shows the missing women, and that the images suggest the women are deceased, although their bodies have not been recovered.
When 44‑year‑old Eugene Horsch was arrested, authorities found a woman in his possession holding an identification card bearing Tonzelli’s name. The woman reportedly told officers that Horsch had given her the ID.
Amy McHale’s family said she was last seen at the West Chew Avenue house shortly after the arrest. McHale had previously been married to Raymond Horsch, Eugene Horsch’s late father, who is also a focus of the investigation. Sources told Action News that investigators have recovered video allegedly showing Raymond Horsch strangling an unnamed woman.
Ongoing forensic work
Investigators have collected chemicals, drugs, firearms, ballistic evidence and a 55‑gallon drum connected to the property’s water lines. They have also excavated an underground pipe in front of the house; the pipe will be tested for additional evidence.
Documents obtained by Action News reveal a handwritten note found at the scene that references serial killer Ted Bundy and methods for disposing of trash. The note was unsigned.
Legal status of the suspect
Eugene Horsch remains in federal custody on firearms charges. He was indicted in early July for being a convicted felon in possession of guns, including one with an obliterated serial number, and for possessing counterfeit DEA and FBI credentials.
Next steps
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said an update on the case could be provided as soon as this week, though no specific date or time for a news conference has been set.
The investigation began on June 19 after a federal park ranger observed a black BMW parked in a restricted area of the 600 block of Market Street on Independence Mall. The ranger suspected drug activity and asked the occupants for identification, leading to the discovery of the ID bearing Tonzelli’s name.
Authorities continue to analyze the recovered evidence and test the underground pipe for forensic material. The investigation remains active, and police have asked anyone with information to contact the Philadelphia Police Department.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
