A body found in the closed area of ​​Mount Moriah Cemetery in the Warlocks murder case

A tip in the search for missing man Keith Palumbo led investigators to a burial site – and a shocking discovery inside.

The horrific case of a 36-year-old singer and tattoo artist from Delaware County, Pennsylvania, who was murdered by his longtime friend, is now the focus of Oxygen’s original crime series, “Philly Homicide,” in which retired detective Chris McMullin revisits some of the city’s most explosive cases.

“This is a very sad case,” McMullin told Fox News Digital. “Through a thorough investigation that involved interviews with other agencies that had information or some kind of involvement, it led them to the Mount Moriah cemetery. And to be honest, that didn’t surprise me because I know a lot of stolen cars are dumped there.”

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“Even in that episode, if you wanted to hide a body, it’s probably a good place to do that,” said McMullin, explaining that “it’s a cemetery that nobody really took care of.”

In April 2020, investigators found not only Palumbo’s body, but the remains of David Rossillo Jr., 33, a would-be member of the Warlocks Motorcycle Club. Both victims were found in the basement of the family of Captain AH Cain, who died in 1884. Rossillo’s murder was a separate incident, although his remains were found in the same place.

Keith Palumbo has been described as a beloved tattoo artist and local artist. (GoFundMe)

McMullin said the Mount Moriah cemetery had fallen into disrepair for many years and was abandoned. According to reports, it has become a popular dumping ground for stolen cars and other illegal items.

Retired detective Joe Bamberski covered the Keith Palumbo case on “Philly Homicide.” “Metal and Mayhem” airs on May 2, 2026, at 8 p.m. (oxygen)

“Mount Moriah Cemetery went out of business years ago,” McMullin said, referring to its long period of neglect.

“I’ve been there. There was a time when I was part-time in the funeral business and I was there. It’s like a post-apocalyptic movie where you go. There are headstones being torn down and vines growing all over the mausoleums. It’s very sad because these were cemeteries where people were laid to rest. Usually, for example, for example, for example.

Retired detective Chris McMullin is the host of Oxygen’s “Philly Homicide.” (oxygen)

“We’re also talking about mass graves,” McMullin continued. “[The investigators] they were lucky because, as they walked around, they noticed that one of the crypts seemed to have been recently disturbed. “

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“I want to thank now-retired Philadelphia Police Detective Joe Bambersky for his diligent and tireless work on this case,” Assistant District Attorney Robert Wainwright said in a statement. “I am very happy that we were able to bring some measure of justice and peace to the loved ones of these two victims.” (Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office)

Palumbo was described as coming from a close-knit family and was known in his neighborhood for being a powerful guitar player. When she disappeared in February 2020, her family immediately knew something was wrong.

At the time of his disappearance, Palumbo was driving his mother’s car with two other men when he received a call from his friend, Warlocks member Michael DeLuca, who nicknamed himself “Kaos,” the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. According to the source, DeLuca had told Palumbo to go to his home in Southwest Philadelphia.

Friend Michael Davvocato also sat down on “Philly Homicide” to talk about Keith Palumbo’s murder. (Unknown)

“When I heard that he was missing, I was devastated,” McMullin said. “All the cases we investigate in this series are painful, but this was a case of betrayal.”

DNA taken from the remains led to the official identification of David Rossillo Jr. and Keith Palumbo in August 2020. (Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office)

The newspaper reported that after the three men arrived at DeLuca’s apartment, he pulled out a gun and pointed it at Palumbo. When Palumbo protested, a witness told investigators that DeLuca shot him in the face. The newspaper noted that this account was quoted by one of the men who was said to be in the house at the time.

McMullin said that while the circumstances of the altercation were unclear, authorities and witnesses suggested that DeLuca may have accused Palumbo of cooperating with law enforcement, although no evidence was presented to support that claim.

“I don’t know if we ever got a specific answer from DeLuca,” McMullin admitted. “It was thought that he might have done it to set an example not to cross him. This victim was his best friend for life. Was he trying to set an example for the other members? It certainly seemed that they were afraid of him.”

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While searching for Keith Palumbo, the police found a recently disturbed crypt. (Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office)

“I think there might be a problem with pressure control there,” McMullin said. “I think this was calculated and planned. They probably took it [Palumbo] in the clubhouse with the intention of doing that to him.”

While the Warlocks may not have the same name recognition as groups like the Hells Angels, authorities have long identified the Pennsylvania-based club as an outlaw motorcycle gang.

Many loved ones, including Lierin Buckley, came forward and spoke about Keith Palumbo’s case in “Philly Homicide.” (oxygen)

State and local investigators have arrested members for a variety of violent crimes, including murder, assault and drug trafficking, a reminder that a low profile does not mean a low threat.

Mount Moriah Cemetery in Southwest Philadelphia has become a dumping ground for stolen cars and other illegal activities. (oxygen)

“Some organizations are very large and come from places that get a lot of public attention and media attention, compared to a small organization like the Warlocks, where they are not in the country at all,” retired ATF Special Agent Bernard Zapor told Fox News Digital.

“Some gangs deliberately do it less,” he said. “They don’t care about all the publicity and fame.”[But] they all have in common that betraying the organization is a death sentence. You are loyal to the club first, then your family after that. Club before family, club before you. And allegations of being a whistleblower are dangerous and unfortunate.”

Loved ones, like Matthew Sondermann, have spoken about how Keith Palumbo’s murder has affected him over the years. (oxygen)

“These people know each other, they had a long-term relationship,” continued Zapor. “But if you’re accused of being a police informer, the only consequence is death. It’s a death sentence if they get to you.”

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Palumbo’s relative said he was not a member of the Warlocks.

According to the episode, cooperating witnesses eventually helped police piece together what happened to Palumbo and Rossillo Jr. The information, combined with physical evidence found at the scene and cell phone data, enabled investigators to file charges against DeLuca and others.

A witness told police that DeLuca said he killed Palumbo and needed help disposing of the body, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

On April 3, 2020, investigators discovered the crypt and found the body of Keith Palumbo, 36, a musician from Delaware County. (Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office)

“They were all afraid [DeLuca],” McMullin said. “But I also think that when push came to shove, they didn’t want to lie and maybe risk prosecution to protect him. I just think there is no honor among thieves. Integrity is a very well-defined expectation. But I also think that people also came out on their own, especially people who committed a lot of crimes, terrible crimes at that time. “

In September 2020, DeLuca and Michael DiMauro, another member of the Warlocks, were arrested.

In 2023, DiMauro was found guilty of murder and torture of a corpse in connection with Rossillo Jr.’s death. Prosecutors say he shot the 33-year-old suspect, tied a rope around his neck and dragged his body into the open cell, before disposing of the remains. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

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In “Philly Homicide,” retired Philadelphia PD detective John Taggart explained how the Keith Palumbo cold case was solved. (oxygen)

That same year, DeLuca pleaded guilty to murdering Palumbo, FOX 29 Philadelphia reported. Three others also pleaded guilty to helping dispose of the bodies of the dead, the outlet shared. DeLuca was later sentenced to 15 to 35 years in prison.

“This case stayed with me,” McMullin said. “There is a relationship between the killer and the victim. Although sadly, more people are killed by people they know than by strangers. And biker gangs are not known for their violence. Michael DeLuca, in my opinion, did a terrible thing.”