Pipes excavated at home in Philadelphia's Olney section amid ongoing investigation
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Investigators excavated and removed an underground pipe from the front of an Olney home Wednesday as part of an ongoing local and federal investigation into a property where authorities previously recovered firearms, chemicals, drugs and other evidence.
The operation at the home on the 400 block of West Chew Avenue involved the Philadelphia Police Department, the FBI and the Philadelphia Water Department. Authorities said the pipe will be examined by Philadelphia police and FBI forensic investigators for any potential evidence.
Officials declined to provide additional details because the investigation remains active.
Chopper 6 captured crews tearing up the front yard and part of the street with an excavator while workers cut sections of pipe, placed them into evidence boxes and, at times, dug with shovels.
The investigation centers on 44-year-old Eugene Horsch, who lived at the home. Horsch is facing federal charges accusing him of possessing firearms and counterfeit DEA and FBI credentials.
Authorities previously said they recovered chemicals, drugs, firearms and ballistic evidence from the property, along with a 55-gallon drum connected to water lines.
Documents obtained by Action News state that investigators also found zip ties, a handwritten note referencing serial killer Ted Bundy, and several bank cards and an identification card belonging to Blair Tonzelli, a woman who went missing in 2023.
Last week, sources said cadaver dogs searched the property. The Action Cam captured investigators in protective suits removing test tubes from the home.
The lengthy investigation has given hope to Amanda Stofer, whose mother, Amy McHale, disappeared in 2016. McHale was married to Horsch's father, Ray Horsch, and Stofer said her mother was last seen at the West Chew Avenue home.
"Obviously it hasn't been the easiest. I feel like we're a little bit hopeful though that something's going to come out," Stofer said. "I know it might sound insane, but I just feel hopeful right now that maybe we're going to find something. Even if it's not for my mom, maybe for Blair, for somebody else."
Stofer said the last time anyone heard from her mother was in June of 2016, when she left a voicemail saying she was at Ray Horsch's home and was OK.
"I just hope that we get something for me and my grandmother and my kids, just to lay our minds to rest," she said.
Neighbors said the ongoing investigation has disrupted the block and raised concerns about what may have happened at the property.
"It shows you don't know who your neighbors are," said Larry Alosi, who lives nearby. "I'm hoping they wrap it up soon and justice is served."
Horsch is scheduled to appear in federal court in August.
