Philadelphia police announce heavy equipment search at Horsch home, warn of street closures

Philadelphia Police Homicide Unit staff inspector Ernest Ransom addressed about 100 Olney residents, announcing that heavy equipment will be deployed to the three-story brick home of the deceased Raymond “R.C.” Horsch on West Chew Avenue starting Oct. 5. The search, part of an ongoing probe into Horsch’s alleged drug, sex and pornography enterprise, may extend beyond Oct. 16.

Police will enforce daytime street closures and parking restrictions, towing vehicles left in prohibited zones without issuing tickets. First Deputy Commissioner John Stanford emphasized the investigation remains active, noting Horsch’s digital archive contains over a million images and videos that may depict real or staged violence. Community members asked about logistics, the impact on local businesses, and the presence of TikTok and YouTube creators filming the site. A police cruiser will remain stationed at the house indefinitely.