READ: Grave Robbing Arrest Leads Police to More Than 100 Skeletal Remains Found in Pennsylvania Man’s Home
A Pennsylvania man is facing more than 500 criminal charges after authorities say they discovered more than 100 human skeletal remains inside his home, following an arrest at a cemetery earlier this month.
Investigators identified the suspect as 34-year-old Jonathan Gerlach. According to authorities, Gerlach allegedly broke into mausoleums and gravesites multiple times at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, beginning around Halloween.
Gerlach was arrested on January 6 at the Delaware County cemetery after police reportedly found him in possession of a bag containing human remains, including skulls and the remains of children. Additional bones were also discovered inside his vehicle at the time of the arrest.
The arrest prompted a search of Gerlach’s residence in Ephrata, Lancaster County. During that search, investigators said they recovered well over 100 skeletal remains in various conditions.
“Detectives walked into a horror movie come to life the other night. This is an unbelievable scene,” said Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse. He noted that some of the remains appeared to be as old as 200 years, while others were significantly more recent, including one body with a pacemaker still attached.
Rouse also expressed concern for affected families, stating that investigators believe some of the remains may belong to infants only months old. Authorities said they are working to determine whether the remains came from additional cemeteries throughout the region.
Police are also investigating a Facebook group titled “Human Bones and Skull Selling Group,” where Gerlach was reportedly tagged in photos showing him holding a skull. At this time, investigators say they do not know whether any remains were sold or why Gerlach collected them.
“The remains were in various states,” Rouse said. “Some were hanging, some were pieced together, and some were skulls displayed on a shelf.”
Yeadon Police Chief Henry Giammarco described the case as one of the most disturbing he has encountered in his career.
“Rest in peace is rest in peace, and this is definitely something that tears at your heartstrings,” Giammarco said.
Authorities are continuing efforts to identify the remains and notify affected families. Gerlach is currently being held on $1 million bail. The investigation remains ongoing.
