“House of horrors” was a “preying ground” for Raymond “R.C.” Horsch in Philadelphia, psychologist says
By Joe Holden
Click here for updates on this story
OLNEY, Pennsylvania (KYW) — Raymond “R.C.” Horsch, who lived at the so-called “house of horrors” in Philadelphia’s Olney neighborhood until he died in 2025, was as intelligent as he was a monster and preyed on vulnerable women, many of whom struggled with addiction, law enforcement sources said.
Dr. Geri-Lynn Utter, a licensed clinical psychologist who grew up in Kensington, said her review of the case reveals Horsch was a predator with a pattern of sadistic sexual behavior and violence.
“He is an individual that has a history of anger, a seething anger that brews in the background all the time,” Utter said. “He is also someone who likes to be in control.”
On Wednesday, Philadelphia police announced that seven women in total have been linked to the home Horsch lived in at 417 West Chew Ave.
Five of them, including Gabrielle Amarando, are feared dead based on video evidence reviewed by police. In one video, police allege Horsch strangled a woman with a zip tie.
A photo of Amarando now lies on the top step at 417 West Chew Avenue with a message: “Gabby, your family loves you so much. We are always here for you.”
Outside the Olney home, the mood was filled with sadness and distress.
Diane Maddox brought the flowers meant for her own mother’s grave and placed them instead beneath crime scene tape at the Olney home.
Diane Maddox brought the flowers meant for her own mother’s grave and placed them instead beneath crime scene tape at the Olney home.
“Unfortunately, this is a preying ground for people who are sociopaths, generally speaking, and want to hurt women,” Utter said.
It’s unclear when Philadelphia police will provide another update. An attorney for Eugene Horsch has declined to comment.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.