Dark Arts

The Philadelphia Inquirer

In June of 2026, a three-story brick twin on a quiet residential street in Philadelphia's Olney neighborhood became the center of a sprawling investigation into the disappearance of at least two women. The property, owned by Raymond “R.C.” Horsch, has been scoured by hazmat teams and excavation crews looking for clues. An Inquirer review of hundreds of pages of police and court records, newspaper clippings, Horsch's artistic portfolio, and interviews with more than 30 people has uncovered the saga of a thrill-seeking criminal artist and his troubled son. This is Dark Arts.

Episodes

  1. 1 Aug

    Dark Arts: A pornographer’s obsession and criminal past blur fact and fiction in Philly’s missing women mystery

    In June, a three-story brick twin on a quiet residential street in Olney became the center of a sprawling investigation into the disappearance of at least two women. The property, owned by Raymond “R.C.” Horsch, has been scoured by hazmat teams and excavation crews looking for clues. Still, key questions remain, and other developments have raised concern about the fates of the missing women. An Inquirer review of court records and other documents traces the people and events connected to the home, along with dozens of interviews. Reporting by Barbara Laker, Ryan Briggs, Max Marin, and Ellie Rushing Narration by Max Marin NOTE: This story covers sensitive topics, including drug use and violence against women. Some people spoke with reporters on condition of anonymity to discuss illegal activity or out of fear of reputational harm. Quotes attributed to Raymond Horsch are drawn from a 2013 interview on the Rialto Report, a podcast about the adult film industry; a Q&A in 2014 during his art exhibit at the Papermill in Philadelphia; and undated profiles that were published on his now-defunct erotic website.

  • 1 Episode

About

In June of 2026, a three-story brick twin on a quiet residential street in Philadelphia's Olney neighborhood became the center of a sprawling investigation into the disappearance of at least two women. The property, owned by Raymond “R.C.” Horsch, has been scoured by hazmat teams and excavation crews looking for clues. An Inquirer review of hundreds of pages of police and court records, newspaper clippings, Horsch's artistic portfolio, and interviews with more than 30 people has uncovered the saga of a thrill-seeking criminal artist and his troubled son. This is Dark Arts.

Information

  • Creator
    The Philadelphia Inquirer
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The Philadelphia Inquirer
  • Show Website
    Dark Arts