A man from Pennsylvania has been taken into custody for allegedly pilfering numerous bones, skulls, and other human remains from a renowned cemetery. Authorities in Delaware County, Pennsylvania have disclosed more than 500 criminal allegations against Jonathan Christian Gerlach, aged 34, asserting that he purloined over 100 human remains from Mount Moriah Cemetery, some of which date back over 200 years. The detention of Gerlach on Tuesday was the outcome of an eerie investigation into grave robbing at the expansive 200-acre site.
Law enforcement reported that Gerlach was apprehended in the act as he was robbing a burial monument. He was found carrying a burlap bag containing the remains of two small children, three skulls, and other bones. Upon searching his residence later that evening, officers discovered over 100 skeletal remains, along with eight additional remains in a nearby storage unit. Police stated that Gerlach had been trespassing into mausoleums and underground vaults.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse described the scene as resembling a real-life horror movie. He mentioned the complexity of identifying the remains, some of which were hanging, pieced together, or simply skulls placed on shelves. Rouse highlighted the challenge in identification, particularly due to the age of some remains exceeding a century, while others were more recent, such as one with a pacemaker still attached.
Yeadon Borough Police Chief Henry Giammarco expressed his dismay, referring to the situation as one of the most distressing incidents in his 30-year career. He emphasized the emotional impact, especially upon seeing an infant’s remains. Visitors like Kristy Cole, whose great-grandparents are buried at Mount Moriah, expressed their anger and sadness, stating that no one should be subjected to such treatment after death.
Officials are now investigating Gerlach’s online presence. A Facebook group named “Human Bones and Skull Selling Group” displays posts featuring Gerlach posing with a skull. Additionally, an Instagram account, “deadshitdaddy,” showcases images of bones allegedly for sale. The New York Post reported that one buyer thanked Gerlach for sending them skeletal remains, including those of a possible teen, baboon, and monkey.
Gerlach is currently detained on $1 million bail, with a preliminary hearing set for January 20 in Delaware County. He faces a total of 574 charges, including 100 counts of abuse of a corpse, 100 counts of theft, 26 counts of intentional desecration of a public monument, and 26 counts of burglary.