YEADON, PENNSYLVANIA — Jonathan Christ Gerlach, 34, has been arrested after police discovered a gruesome collection of over 100 human skulls and other body parts in his home and storage unit. The discovery followed a month-long investigation into break-ins at the historic Mount Moriah Cemetery.
Caught with Remains in Burlap Bag
Officers apprehended Gerlach on Tuesday night at the cemetery. He was reportedly caught walking toward his vehicle carrying a crowbar and a burlap bag containing the mummified remains of two children and three skulls.
Gerlach allegedly admitted to investigators that he had targeted mausoleums and underground vaults at the abandoned 1855 burial ground. Police stated he showed them the specific graves he had disturbed.
"Decomposing Torsos" and Jewelry Found
A subsequent search of Gerlach's residence in Ephrata revealed a basement filled with skeletal items. Investigators found long bones, mummified hands and feet, two decomposing torsos, and jewelry believed to be linked to the graves.
Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse described the disturbing scene, noting that some remains were "pieced together" while others were "hanging" or displayed as "skulls on a shelf." In one instance, a pacemaker was found still attached to a body.
Hundreds of Charges Filed
Gerlach is facing a slew of charges, including 100 counts each of abuse of a corpse and receiving stolen property. He is also charged with desecrating a public monument and historic burial place.
He is currently being held on $1 million bond. Authorities stated that given the "enormity" of the collection and the lack of a reasonable explanation, they are still trying to determine exactly what took place.
For more cases related to grave robberies and disturbing discoveries, check out our video here:
