Pennsylvania Grave Robbery: 100 Skulls, Mummified Body Found in Home
In the case of the Pennsylvania grave robbery, police were led to a basement filled with body parts hoarded by a man accused of stealing about 100 sets of human remains. The case, now drawing national attention, centers on what investigators describe as one of the most extensive grave-disturbance incidents they have encountered in recent years.
The Pennsylvania Grave Robbery Case
The suspect of the Pennsylvania grave robbery, Johnathan Gerlach, 34, is looking at more than 500 criminal charges following a months-long investigation into repeated break-ins at mausoleums and underground vaults. The cemetery was founded in 1855, and it’s considered the largest abandoned burial ground in the United States. In addition, it contains an estimated 150,000 graves across 160 acres.
Police began their investigation into the Pennsylvania grave robbery case when an investigator found that Gerlach had constantly been near Yeadon when the burglaries occurred. He was carrying a crowbar and a burlap bag when he was arrested. In addition, neighbors’ suspicion of flies around the suspect’s home also led to the investigation. In the bag, the police found the mummified remains of two small children, other bones, and three skulls.
Gerlach admitted to the crimes that he stole about 30 sets of human remains and showed police the graves he stole from. According to AP News, Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse said, “They were in various states. Some of them were hanging, as it were. Some of them were pieced together, some were just skulls on a shelf.”
Most of the remains were in the basement, and authorities found jewelry believed to be linked to the graves. Allegedly, in one case, a pacemaker was attached to one of the remains. According to ABC News, Rouse said, “Given the enormity of what we are looking at and the sheer, utter lack of reasonable explanation, it’s difficult to say right now, at this juncture, exactly what took place. We’re trying to figure it out.”
The Event
Who: The suspect is 34-year-old Johnathan Gerlach.
What: Alleged theft of human remains taken from graves and mausoleums.
When: Break-ins reported since early November; arrest made on a Tuesday evening
Where: Mount Mariah Cemetery (Philadelphia area); searches in Lancaster County/Ephrata
Charges of The Pennsylvania Grave Robbery Case
The charges against Gerlach are 100 counts each of abuse of a corpse, receiving stolen property, multiple counts of desecrating a public monument, burglary, theft, trespassing, desecrating a venerated object, and desecrating a historic burial place. Gerlach is in jail on a $1 million bond.
Authorities are still looking to find out if other cemeteries were affected by Gerlach’s actions and how long the suspect has been engaging in his criminal activity. They are also looking if Gerlach had any connections with groups or other individuals. Considering the severity of the investigators’ findings in the Pennsylvania grave robbery case, it will be a challenge for the police to reunite grieving families with the remains of their loved ones.
Mount Mariah Cemetery goes back to the 19th century and has been the fcous of volunteer restoration and security concerns. Its older unattended plots,and large footprints haved posed challenges for protection and maitnance, which makes some areas vulnerable to theft and vandalism. The case will very likely lead to calls from the community and the families affected to improved security and measures to prevent future incidents.
Families may face a lengthy identification process for their loved ones buried at the cemetery, and the crimes commited by Gelrach may prompt reviews for measures to protect burial sites moving forward. Thankfully, although the Pennsylvania grave robbery case is still ongoing, a suspect was caught. That alone is in stark contrast to many cases that are unsolved. This story will remain important as investigators complete forensic work and officials respond to community concerns.
