More than 50 decomposing bodies have been discovered inside an unrefrigerated area of a funeral home in Chicago, authorities have said.
Police made the disturbing discovery at the South Chicago Chapel Funeral Home on Thursday after officers were called to assist with an investigation into its licence.
Investigation and Findings
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office sent a team of investigators and forensic pathologists to the premises, where they found bodies in "various states of decomposition". It remains unclear how long the bodies had been kept at the funeral home or what initially prompted the investigation.
The Medical Examiner’s Office said: "MEO staff is assessing the conditions of the remains, searching for documentation regarding identification of the deceased as well as death certificates."
Background and Actions
Chicago Police said the case remains under investigation and no arrests have been made. The funeral home is operated by Johanna and Clark Morgan, according to Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza.
The couple previously operated Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights, which was shut down last year following similar allegations. Ms Mendoza said the pair had "egregious past practices" while running the crematory. Investigators found multiple bodies stacked on top of one another inside inoperable refrigerated trailers and coolers at the site, Ms Mendoza said at the time.
Reactions and Regulatory Action
Reacting to the latest discovery, Ms Mendoza said: "Horrified. Again." She added: "The discovery of decomposing remains waiting to be laid to rest this week at a South Side funeral home is heartbreaking and an abomination."
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has taken action to suspend Ms Morgan's licence following the discovery. She is listed as the registered funeral director. In a disciplinary filing, state regulators said her "continued practice is a danger to the public safety, interest and welfare due to respondent allowing multiple decedents to be kept in an unrefrigerated area with deplorable conditions" which included a rodent infestation.
Mr Morgan previously held a funeral director and embalmer intern licence, but it was revoked in 2024. The agency said the licence was revoked because he had been operating on an expired licence and had engaged in "unprofessional conduct". The Morgans did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The New York Times on Friday.
