09.01.2026 12:01
Jonathan Gerlach, a 34-year-old man from Pennsylvania, was arrested after being stopped in a cemetery, where over 100 human skulls and numerous human remains were found in his home and storage. The suspect reportedly admitted to collecting remains by breaking into historical graves and mausoleums, and he is said to be facing more than 300 charges for stealing approximately 30 sets of human remains.
34-year-old Jonathan Gerlach was stopped by police at Mount Moriah Cemetery near Philadelphia. According to court documents, the bag found with Gerlach contained mummified remains of two small children, three skulls, and other bones.
CHILLING SCENE IN THE SEARCH
Police found over 100 human skulls along with long bones, mummified hands and feet, decaying bodies, and various skeletal parts during searches at the suspect's home and his storage unit.
Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse stated that the remains found were in "various conditions," noting that some pieces were displayed hanging, some were assembled, and some were left on shelves as skulls.
150 THOUSAND GRAVES FOUND
The investigation was initiated due to incidents of grave and mausoleum desecration at the 160-acre Mount Moriah Cemetery in the Philadelphia suburb of Yeadon. According to officials, Gerlach targeted mausoleums and underground burial chambers; sealed areas were broken into to access the remains. It was stated that there are approximately 150,000 graves in the cemetery.
SOME PIECES HUNDREDS OF YEARS OLD
Authorities announced that jewelry believed to have been taken from some graves was also seized. According to Sky News, in one case, it was recorded that a heart monitor was still attached to the remains. The prosecution indicated that the purpose for which the remains were collected is unclear, and some pieces could be hundreds of years old.
LAWSUIT FILED WITH 300 SEPARATE CHARGES
According to court records, Gerlach was charged with 300 separate counts, including theft, possession of stolen property, and abuse of a corpse. Additionally, dozens of other charges were brought against him, such as desecration of a public monument, desecration of a sacred object, and destruction of a historic cemetery site. It was noted that the incident came to light when officials from a non-profit organization working to protect the cemetery noticed the graves were being desecrated and reported it to the police.