In a shocking discovery, a Pennsylvania man is now facing over 500 charges after authorities uncovered more than 100 human skeletal remains at his residence. The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Jonathan Gerlach, allegedly targeted mausoleums and gravesites at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, with these activities reportedly beginning around Halloween.
Gerlach was apprehended on January 6 at the Delaware County cemetery. At the time of his arrest, he was found carrying a bag that contained human remains, including those of children and several skulls. Additional bones were also discovered in his vehicle.
The arrest prompted a search of Gerlach’s home in Ephrata, Lancaster County, where investigators reported finding a significant number of skeletal remains, exceeding the initial count of 100.
“Detectives encountered a scene straight out of a horror movie,” remarked Delaware County District Attorney Tanner Rouse. “The situation is unfathomable. Some remains are centuries old, while others are relatively recent, including one with a pacemaker still attached.”
Rouse expressed sympathy for the families affected by this disturbing case, saying, “My heart goes out to those grappling with this nightmare, trying to determine if their loved ones or children might be among the remains. We believe some of the remains belong to infants only a few months old.”
“I grieve for those who are upset by this, who are going through it, who are trying to figure out if it is in fact their loved one or their child, because we found remains that we believe to be months old infants among those that he had collected,” added Rouse.
Police believe the remains were also taken from other cemeteries throughout the region. They are also investigating a Facebook group titled “Human Bones and Skull Selling Group,” where Gerlach was tagged and pictured holding a skull.
“Very simply, detectives have recovered an awful lot of bones at this point, and we are still trying to piece together who they are, where they are from, and how many we are looking at. It’s going to be quite some time before we have a final answer,” said Rouse.
Authorities said they do not yet know if any remains were sold or why Gerlach wanted them.
“The remains were in various states,” Rouse said. “Some were hanging as it were. Some were pieced together, some were skulls on a shelf.”
Yeadon Police Chief Henry Giammarco called the case one of the most disturbing he has ever seen.
“Rest in peace is rest in peace, and this is definitely something that tears at your heartstrings,” Giammarco said.
Police are working to identify the remains and notify families. Gerlach is being held on $1 million bail.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The Delaware County District Attorney’s Office urges anyone with additional information to contact Detective Leah Cesanek at 610-623-1500 or Detective Chris Karr at 610-891-4700.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
