Updated

Updated · NBC Philadelphia · Jun 27

Philadelphia Search Finds 120 Ballistic Items, Chemicals in Eugene Horsch's Olney Home

Updated

Updated · NBC Philadelphia · Jun 27

Philadelphia Search Finds 120 Ballistic Items, Chemicals in Eugene Horsch's Olney Home

Q: What is the purpose of the mysterious 55-gallon drum found in the basement of the suspect's sealed-off Philadelphia home?

Its purpose is unknown. Investigators found the 55-gallon drum in the basement connected to water lines, hoses and other piping, but Philadelphia police say they do not yet know what it was used for. Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said authorities are still trying to determine whether Horsch was “producing something” or “irrigating something,” and stressed that the setup’s function remains unclear. The drum was discovered alongside a cache of chemicals, firearms, ammunition, fake IDs, narcotics evidence and signs of a marijuana grow operation. Because of that broader context, investigators are examining whether the drum and chemical inventory were tied to drug production, explosives, or some other illicit process. Experts from the FBI, including the Major Case Team from Quantico, are helping identify and test the chemicals and equipment. Until that analysis is complete, authorities have not publicly assigned a specific purpose to the drum.

3 articles · Updated · NBC Philadelphia · Jun 27

At least one firearm, narcotics, chemicals and more than 120 pieces of ballistic evidence were recovered Friday from Eugene Horsch's Olney home, where FBI experts were called to test bottles found in the basement.
The search followed Horsch's June 19 detention near Independence Mall, where a park ranger investigating a disturbance found fake federal and DEA credentials, two guns with obliterated serial numbers and an ID bearing a missing woman's name.
Police said the home also contained a large amount of ammunition, evidence of attempted narcotics production and a 55-gallon drum connected to water lines; Horsch was charged with drug possession, intent to deliver and multiple firearm violations.
Deputy Commissioner Frank Vanore said no bodies had been found in the house, pushing back on social-media speculation as homicide detectives and other agencies continued the search.
Horsch remains in custody, while his attorney said the basement items may have belonged to Horsch's late father; investigators say the case is still active.