A 34-year-old man named Jonathan Gerlach has been arrested for stealing over 100 skulls following a disturbing discovery in a residence. The police found bones, mummified hands and feet, decomposing torsos, and parts of skeletons in what was described as a scene resembling a horror movie. Gerlach, from Pennsylvania, is facing more than 500 charges for allegedly desecrating gravesites and mausoleums after break-ins were reported at the Mount Moriah Cemetery near Philadelphia.
The remains were uncovered in Gerlach’s basement and a separate storage unit, according to Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse. Rouse detailed the gruesome sight officers encountered, mentioning that the remains were in various conditions, with some hanging, pieced together, or simply placed on shelves.
Authorities claim that Gerlach specifically targeted the 160-acre gravesite, where approximately 150,000 individuals have been laid to rest. The purpose behind his actions with these centuries-old remains remains unclear. Some of the skulls and remains belonged to children, including infants who had passed away just a few months after birth, as confirmed by the County District Attorney.
Rouse expressed the challenge of identifying the origin and number of bones recovered, emphasizing the complexity of the investigation. Recovered jewelry believed to be connected to the Pennsylvania gravesite and the discovery of a pacemaker with one body were also reported by authorities.
Gerlach was apprehended as he was leaving the cemetery with a crowbar and was arrested on charges including theft, receiving stolen property, and abuse of a corpse. The investigation began around Halloween after multiple mausoleums and vaults at the cemetery were found to have been forcibly opened. Other charges brought against Gerlach include desecrating a historic burial place and desecrating a public monument.