A Pennsylvania man is facing serious criminal charges after the remains of his missing wife were discovered in a metal box on a property he once owned. Authorities arrested 37-year-old Vincent Harp of Hemlock Township on Sunday, charging him with criminal homicide, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence in the death of his wife, 33-year-old Katlyn Harp.
The investigation began on June 20, when Katlyn’s sister requested a welfare check after being unable to reach her for several days. During initial questioning, Vincent Harp reportedly gave conflicting information about his movements around the time of Katlyn’s disappearance.
“(Vincent) Harp was inconsistent with his movements before, during, and after Katlyn’s disappearance,” police stated in the affidavit. Investigators soon began analyzing surveillance footage and Harp’s cell phone location data. Video evidence reportedly showed Vincent transporting a large green box in the bed of his truck shortly after Katlyn was last seen.
The case took a grim turn on June 29 when Katlyn’s sister contacted state police to report that she, along with a search party, had discovered what they believed to be Katlyn’s remains. The discovery was made along Harp Lane in nearby Montour Township, on a property previously owned by Vincent.
State police responded to the location and found a large green metal box along a wooded mountainside. According to the affidavit, “the box had a strong odor of decomposition.” When investigators opened it, they discovered human remains inside. The remains were later identified as Katlyn Harp through a distinctive tattoo, according to the Miami Herald.
The tragic discovery ended a nine-day search that began with concern from family and led to a disturbing trail of evidence implicating Vincent Harp. Investigators say the combination of surveillance footage, digital evidence, and the physical discovery of Katlyn’s body played a crucial role in bringing charges.
At this time, authorities have not released a motive for the alleged killing, and the investigation remains ongoing. The property where Katlyn’s remains were found is not currently owned by Vincent Harp, but police confirmed it had been in his name previously. Vincent Harp is currently being held without bail as he awaits further court proceedings.
The case has left the local community shaken, as friends and family mourn the loss of Katlyn Harp and seek justice in what authorities describe as a deeply disturbing and tragic crime.