A grim discovery in Pennsylvania has led to a dramatic arrest after investigators uncovered more than 100 human skeletal remains inside a man’s residence and storage area. The 34-year-old suspect now faces nearly 500 criminal charges tied to a long-running investigation into multiple cemetery thefts and desecrations. Authorities are working to identify the victims and piece together the full extent of the alleged crime spree.
Police Intercept Suspect at Cemetery with Bones in Vehicle
Local law enforcement officers spotted suspicious activity at the historic Mount Moriah Cemetery in Yeadon, Pennsylvania. On the evening of January 6, a 34-year-old man was seen leaving the grounds carrying a burlap sack and a crowbar. When police searched the suspect’s vehicle, they found human bones, skulls, and other skeletal material in plain view, prompting his immediate arrest.
Search of Property Reveals Hundreds of Human Remains
Following the initial arrest, detectives secured warrants to search the suspect’s Ephrata home and nearby storage unit. Inside, they discovered more than 100 sets of human skeletal remains — some complete and others partial — stored in various conditions. Among the bones were the remains of infants, mummified sections, and even a skeleton with a pacemaker still attached. Officials described the scene as shocking and unprecedented.
Delaware County authorities believe the remains were taken from grave sites and mausoleums targeted during a series of break-ins dating back to late 2025.
Charges and Investigations Expand as Authorities Seek Answers
The suspect has been charged with a total of 496 counts, including:
- Abuse of a corpse
- Theft by unlawful taking
- Receiving stolen property
- Burglary
- Criminal mischief and desecration
Each grouping of offenses reflects the alleged theft and mishandling of human remains from burial sites in the region. Authorities have also noted the suspect’s association with an online community linked to human bone trading and are probing potential wider involvement.
The suspect is currently held on $1 million bail, with a preliminary court hearing scheduled for January 20. Officials continue efforts to identify the victims and notify any surviving family members.
