Cemetery Theft: Man Charged with Stealing Over 100 Human Remains

The discovery of bones and skulls on the back of a car near an abandoned cemetery in Philadelphia led police to uncover a disturbing stash of human remains in a basement. A man, now charged, has reportedly collected over 100 sets of human bones.

The investigation, which unfolded over several months, revolves around a series of break-ins at Mount Moriah Cemetery. Since early November, at least 26 mausoleums and vaults have been subjected to forced entries. Authorities examined the possessions of 34-year-old Jonathan Christ Gerlach, unveiling more than 100 human skulls, long bones, mummified hands and feet, two decomposing torsos, and various other skeletal remains.

Officials reported that some remains were displayed in strange configurations, while others were simply stacked on shelves. Alongside these macabre finds in the basement were items like jewelry believed to have been pilfered from the graves, and in a particularly shocking instance, a body part retained a pacemaker.

Gerlach allegedly focused on mausoleums and underground vaults within the vast, desolate Mount Moriah Cemetery, which holds around 150,000 graves. The cemetery has been plagued by multiple breaches, with damaged stonework and vaults forced open to access older burials.

The investigation intensified as officers traced Gerlach’s movements, discovering he had been frequently present at the cemetery throughout the thefts. He was apprehended while returning to his vehicle with a crowbar and a burlap bag filled with the mummified remains of two small children, alongside three skulls and other bones.

Gerlach admitted to stealing roughly 30 sets of remains and identified the graves from which he had taken them. The reason for his large-scale theft remains uncertain as authorities continue their investigation.

Currently, he faces 100 charges related to abuse of a corpse and receiving stolen property, in addition to accusations of desecrating public monuments and burial sites, burglary, trespassing, and theft. Gerlach is being held on a bail of $1 million.