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Bodies found at chapel
Investigators are trying to identify remains after nearly 60 improperly stored bodies were found at South Chicago Chapel in Chicago, with the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office saying the process could take days.
“allowing multiple decedents to be kept in an unrefrigerated area with deplorable conditions”
BBC reported that the funeral home's director, Johanna Morgan, was accused of "allowing multiple decedents to be kept in an unrefrigerated area with deplorable conditions" including rodent infestation and maggot infestation.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation suspended Morgan's license, and the BBC said images from the scene showed Chicago officials loading body bags into vans.
The AP said more than 50 bodies were found improperly stored and decomposing Thursday at a Chicago funeral home run by a couple who previously operated a crematory that was similarly shut down for mishandled remains, and Illinois state officials suspended a director's license over bodies kept in an unrefrigerated area in "deplorable conditions."
Licenses, odors, and questions
CBS News Chicago quoted Patrice Halliburton saying, "We don't know if Melody is in there or not," after her deceased sister was supposed to be cremated at the funeral home.
Michael Sharkey, general counsel at the Illinois Funeral Directors Association, told the BBC, "It is extremely disturbing that the same individuals who appear to be involved with the events at South Side Chapel are the same persons," and he said he initially reported the Heights Crematory incident.
NBC 5 Chicago said officers responded about 2 p.m. Thursday to South Chicago Chapel at 2939 E. 95th St. in the South Deering neighborhood to help the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation with a license investigation.
NBC 5 Chicago also reported that neighbors and residents described a foul smell, with reporter Lisa Chavarria saying, "We can attest, there's been a strange smell."
What happens next
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office said it was notified by state and federal authorities and that investigators were working to identify the decedents and notify families after the discovery at South Chicago Chapel on Thursday.
“allowing multiple decedents to be kept in an unrefrigerated area with deplorable conditions including rodent infestation”
The BBC said South Chicago Chapel did not respond to multiple calls for comment, while it reported that the Illinois Secretary of State's website lists Clark Morgan as president and that Clark Morgan's funeral director's license was revoked in 2024.
KFOR and WGN-TV reported that Johanna Morgan’s funeral director and embalmer license was temporarily suspended as of Aug. 5, with IDFPR records alleging she was "allowing multiple decedents to be kept in an unrefrigerated area with deplorable conditions including rodent infestation" that caused decomposition and maggot infestation.
WGN-TV said the investigation into the circumstances leading up to Thursday’s discovery remained under investigation by CPD Area Two Detectives, and it reported that a stretch of roadway between South Commercial Avenue and South Escanaba Avenue stayed closed as authorities worked overnight.
