Topic overview
In brief
- The investigation into mishandled bodies at a Chicago funeral home has expanded to include Bohemian National Cemetery and Crematorium.
- The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office has reported finding dozens of boxes of cremated remains in addition to decomposing bodies.
- The ongoing investigation has raised serious concerns about the ethical standards of funeral services in Illinois.
Summary
In Illinois, an investigation into the mishandling of bodies at a Chicago funeral home has led to the discovery of a second facility involved in the scandal. The South Chicago Chapel was found to have 56 decomposing bodies, prompting the Illinois State Comptroller to expand its investigation to the Bohemian National Cemetery and Crematorium. This facility has also been shut down as part of the ongoing inquiry. The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office reported that in addition to the decomposing bodies, dozens of boxes containing cremated remains were uncovered, with over 50 boxes of ashes currently held for the Chicago police. This situation mirrors a previous incident involving the same owners, where their Chicago Heights crematorium was shut down last year due to similar issues. The owners, Clark Morgan and his wife Johanna Morgan, have faced scrutiny as their licenses for operating crematoriums and funeral homes are regulated by different state agencies, allowing them to continue their operations despite past violations. The investigation has raised serious concerns about the treatment of deceased individuals and the ethical standards of funeral services in the area, leading to public outrage and calls for stricter regulations in the industry.