Police in Philadelphia arrested a man accused of stealing about 100 sets of human remains from Mount Moriah Cemetery after finding body parts in his basement
Police Discover Body Parts in Philadelphia Investigation
Bones and skulls found in the back seat of a car near an abandoned cemetery in Philadelphia led police to a basement filled with body parts. Authorities accuse a man of stealing about 100 sets of human remains.
Arrest and Investigation Details
The arrest on Tuesday night concluded a month-long investigation into break-ins at Mount Moriah Cemetery. Officers reported that at least 26 mausoleums and vaults were forced open since early November.
Findings at the Suspect’s Home
Authorities searched the home and storage unit of Jonathan Christ Gerlach, 34, from Ephrata. They found over 100 human skulls, long bones, mummified hands and feet, two decomposing torsos, and other skeletal items.
Condition of Remains
Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse described the remains as being in various states. Some were hanging, some were pieced together, and some were just skulls on a shelf.
Details of the Theft
Gerlach told investigators he took about 30 sets of human remains and identified the graves he stole from. Most remains were in the basement, and authorities also recovered jewelry believed to be linked to the graves. In one case, a pacemaker was still attached.
Targeted Locations
Police say Gerlach targeted mausoleums and underground vaults at the cemetery, which is the country’s largest abandoned burial ground. Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery helps maintain the 160-acre site, which has about 150,000 grave sites.
Investigation Progress
Police investigated the burglaries and found Gerlach’s vehicle plates linked to Yeadon during the time of the crimes. The break-ins focused on sealed vaults and mausoleums containing older burials, which were damaged to access the remains.
Arrest Details
Gerlach was arrested while walking back to his car with a crowbar. Officers found a burlap bag containing the mummified remains of two small children, three skulls, and other bones.
Charges and Legal Status
Gerlach faces 100 counts each of abuse of a corpse and receiving stolen property, along with multiple counts of desecrating a public monument, desecrating a venerated object, desecrating a historic burial place, burglary, trespassing, and theft.
He is currently jailed on a $1 million bond. No lawyer is listed in court records. A message seeking comment was sent to a cellphone linked to him.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect Name | Jonathan Christ Gerlach |
| Age | 34 |
| Location | Ephrata, Pennsylvania |
| Charges | 100 counts of abuse of a corpse, receiving stolen property, and more |
| Bond Amount | $1 million |
| Cemetery Name | Mount Moriah Cemetery |
| Grave Sites | Approximately 150,000 |
