Federal prosecutors to take over case against Olney man at center of major investigation

Updated 2 hours ago
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Federal prosecutors will take over the case against an Olney man at the center of an ongoing investigation involving at least two missing women.

At a hearing on Thursday, Philadelphia's district attorney withdrew state charges against 44-year-old Eugene Horsch.

Eugene Horsch



He has been in federal custody since June after police say they found him with illegal guns and a fake DEA badge.

A woman who was with Horsch had the identification of Blair Tonzelli, a woman who went missing in 2023, police say. Investigators allege that the woman told cops Horsch gave her the ID.



Amy McHale, who disappeared in 2016, may also be connected to the home on West Chew Avenue. Her daughter, Amanda Stofer, told Action News that McHale was married to Horsch's father, Ray Horsch, and Stofer said her mother was last seen at the West Chew Avenue home.

Expanded perimeter in place as investigation continues at Olney home


Sources said cadaver dogs searched the property in mid-July. The Action Cam captured investigators in protective suits removing test tubes from the residence.

The following week, investigators were seen excavating and removing an underground pipe from in front of the property.

Pipes excavated at Olney home at center of federal investigation


Authorities said the pipe will be examined by Philadelphia police and FBI forensic investigators for any potential evidence.



Earlier searches turned up chemicals, urns, zip ties, and a letter mentioning serial killer Ted Bundy, investigators said.

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