Why police can’t declare death, cause yet in Olney home investigation

What to know about women linked to Olney house investigation
As police continue to investigate disturbing evidence found in a North Philadelphia home, they’re missing something crucial — a body.
An ongoing police investigation in Philadelphia’s Olney section has stirred rumors and concerns of a potential serial killer, but some key information is missing before that claim can be correct.
The home, linked to 44-year-old Eugene Horsche, is the center of an investigation that has turned up hundreds of thousands of photos and videos, including those that appear to show two missing women alive then deceased.
But the process is complicated.
Without a body or remains, authorities can’t declare either woman’s death, manner of death or cause of death, police said in an Aug. 12 release that has yet to see an update.
As of Aug. 31, Horsche was booked at the Philadelphia Federal Detention Center, but not on charges directly connected to the tapes, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons inmate locator and indictment documents.
Instead, the investigation ultimately began after Horsche was stopped by authorities in Center City and found to be in possession of suspected narcotics, two firearms and fraudulent DEA credentials.
Kaitlyn McCormick is a Philadelphia-based reporter writing all things trending, breaking and city-related for USA TODAY’s Philadelphia Metro Connect Team.