Ed Gein Wannabe? Jonathan Christ Gerlach w/Kelsey - Part 3

In Part 3 of our three-part series, we step back and look at the bigger picture; why this case was framed the way it was, what comparisons help clarify versus distort, and how investigators ultimately honed in on Jonathan Gerlach.

After Part 1 established the headlines and charges, and Part 2 examined the investigation and the tension between fact and online speculation, this final episode focuses on context, contrast, and consequence.

What we cover in Part 3:

• A careful comparison between Jonathan Gerlach and Ed Gein
  • Why the comparison emerged
  • Where it holds weight
  • Where it breaks down and why that distinction matters
• How sensational comparisons can oversimplify very different crimes, motives, and historical contexts
• The historical and investigative significance of Mount Moriah Cemetery
• Why this cemetery became a focal point and what its condition, oversight, and history reveal
• How investigators narrowed their scope and connected the dots that ultimately led back to Gerlach

⚠️ Content Advisory
This episode includes discussion of:

• Grave desecration
• Human remains
• Historical violent crime
• Ethical and investigative failures

All topics are discussed factually and without graphic detail, with an emphasis on accountability and respect for the dead.Part 3 isn’t about escalation, it’s about clarity.We interrogate why certain comparisons feel inevitable in true crime, how historical figures like Ed Gein become shorthand for fear, and how that shorthand can distract from the realities of a modern investigation. We also explore how place matters; how Mount Moriah Cemetery is more than a backdrop, and how its story intersects with neglect, preservation, and investigative focus.This episode asks listeners to sit with complexity instead of reaching for extremes.

Until next time, stay inside, stay alive.

Check out our episodes on Ed Gein (2021): 
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ed-gein-case-part-1--48052190  (Part 1)
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ed-gein-case-part-2--48058720 (Part 2)


References
13WHAM. (2026). Ephrata man Jonathan Gerlach admits to selling human remains stolen from Pennsylvania cemetery. https://13wham.com/news/nation-world/ephrata-man-jonathan-gerlach-admits-to-selling-human-remains-stolen-from-pa-cemetery-search-warrant-delaware-county-philadelphia-mount-moriah-cemetery-lancaster-pennsylvania-skulls-skeletons-pa
Courthouse News Service. (2026). Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Jonathan Gerlach: Corpse theft and desecration cemetery docket [Court document]. https://www.courthousenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/pennsylvania-v-jonathan-gerlach-corpse-theft-desecration-cemetery-docket.pdf
LancasterOnline. (2026a). A look at investigation of human remains thefts linked to Ephrata suspect: Full coverage. https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/a-look-at-investigation-of-human-remains-thefts-linked-to-ephrata-suspect-full-coverage/collection_12941079-68a2-4c90-a05f-e00d075c3ae5.html
LancasterOnline. (2026b). PA Attorney General’s Office investigating if Ephrata man stole bodies from Luzerne County. https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/pa-attorney-generals-office-investigating-if-ephrata-man-stole-bodies-from-luzerne-county/article_3601b4ff-7eaf-44c0-b01f-c4204b5ac266.html
LancasterOnline. (2026c). Ephrata man charged in cemetery thefts linked to man going to prison in human remains case. https://lancasteronline.com/news/local/ephrata-man-charged-in-cemetery-thefts-linked-to-man-going-to-prison-in-human-remains/article_0faa53fc-d832-4dc8-ae61-a98c62d9e5ce.html
New York Post. (2026, January 10). Police find “horror movie” of stolen bones in alleged grave robber’s home. https://nypost.com/2026/01/10/us-news/police-find-horror-movie-of-stolen-bones-in-alleged-graverobbers-home/
YouTube. (2026). News coverage of Jonathan Gerlach investigation [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vspfw6cO4ok