Pennsylvania Grave Robbery Uncovers 100 Skulls and Mummified Body Parts

Authorities in Pennsylvania have uncovered a disturbing case involving the theft of approximately 100 human skulls and body parts. The investigation began after police discovered skeletal remains in the back seat of a car near an abandoned cemetery on the outskirts of Philadelphia. This led them to a basement where a man, Jonathan Christ Gerlach, was hoarding human remains.

Pennsylvania Grave Robbery Investigation

Gerlach, 34, has been accused of stealing from Mount Moriah Cemetery, which is considered the largest abandoned burial ground in the U.S. Since early November, there have been reports of break-ins at the cemetery, with at least 26 mausoleums and vaults being forced open.

Arrest and Discovery of Remains

The police made the arrest on a Tuesday night following a months-long investigation. They had been tracking a series of burglaries when they linked Gerlach to the area. On approaching him, officers found a crowbar and a burlap bag containing the mummified remains of two small children, along with three skulls and other skeletal parts.

Upon searching Gerlach’s home and storage unit in Ephrata, investigators uncovered over 100 human skulls, long bones, mummified hands, and feet, as well as two decomposing torsos. Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse described the scene, noting that the remains were in “various states.” Some items were displayed on shelves while others were hanging in the basement.

Details of Break-Ins

Police reported that Gerlach specifically targeted sealed vaults and mausoleums containing older burials. The break-ins involved significant damage, as the graves had been smashed open or had their stonework compromised to access the remains inside.

Charges and Legal Proceedings

In total, Gerlach faces a plethora of charges, including:

• 100 counts of abuse of a corpse
• Receiving stolen property
• Desecration of a public monument
• Desecration of a venerated object
• Desecration of a historic burial place
• Burglary
• Trespassing
• Theft

He is currently being held on a $1 million bond. As of now, no legal counsel has been reported on his behalf. The authorities continue to investigate the case to uncover the motivations behind Gerlach’s actions and ensure justice is served.