Philadelphia cemetery boosts security after 100+ skeletons stolen

New Security Measures at Mount Moriah Cemetery After Theft of Skeletons

A historic cemetery in the Philadelphia area is enhancing security. This follows an incident where a man allegedly stole over 100 skeletons. Prosecutors described the event as a “horror movie come to life.”

Mount Moriah Cemetery, located in Philadelphia and Delaware counties, announced these upgrades after the arrest of Jonathan Gerlach, 34, from Ephrata. He is accused of burglarizing and desecrating 26 mausoleums and underground vaults.

Gerlach was arrested last week. He faces numerous charges, including 26 counts of burglary and criminal trespassing, 26 counts of intentional desecration of a public monument, and 100 counts each of abuse of a corpse and receiving stolen property.

Community Response and Investigation

John R. Schmehl Jr., president of the Friends of Mount Moriah Cemetery, announced the security plan on social media. He stated the nonprofit group is working urgently to “address these violations of our sacred space.” Schmehl has family ties to the cemetery dating back to 1855.

The investigation started after the nonprofit group reported grave desecration to the police. Investigators found that Gerlach’s vehicle was near the cemetery during the burglaries.

On January 6, detectives saw Gerlach’s car near the cemetery. They observed “numerous bones and skulls in plain view in the back seat,” according to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office.

“Gerlach was then seen exiting the cemetery holding a burlap bag, crowbar, and other assorted items,” the DA’s office reported. He admitted to stealing about 30 sets of human remains.

Security Upgrades and Funding

In response to the alleged crimes, Schmehl said the group is expanding its surveillance camera system. They are also repairing fencing along 61st Street, 63rd Street, and Kingsessing Avenue. A section near the SEPTA loop has already been completed. The group plans to patrol the cemetery at random hours to deter trespassing.

Schmehl mentioned that the group has spent $20,000 on repairs for damaged mausoleums and gravesites. They received a quote of $9,000 for materials to repair one section of fencing. The nonprofit is seeking donations to fund the security upgrades.

Details of the Investigation

The arrest of Gerlach followed a months-long investigation into break-ins at Mount Moriah. At least 26 mausoleums and vaults were broken into since early November.

Investigators later searched Gerlach’s home and a storage unit in Ephrata. They found over 100 human skulls, long bones, mummified hands and feet, two decomposing torsos, and other skeletal remains.

“They were in various states. Some were hanging, some were pieced together, and some were just skulls on a shelf,” said Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse.

Investigators also recovered jewelry believed to have been taken from graves. In one case, a pacemaker was still attached.

“Detectives walked into a horror movie come to life in that home,” Rouse stated during a press conference last week. “It is truly horrific. I grieve for those who are upset by this.”

Gerlach is being held on a $1 million bond. Police say the investigation is ongoing as they work to identify the remains and locate surviving family members.