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Texas Funeral Home Under Scrutiny After Grisly Discovery of Decaying Remains
Authorities in Houston, Texas, have launched an investigation into a local funeral home following a disturbing incident where a staff member allegedly stabbed a customer. The alarming event at Richardson Mortuary led to the grim discovery of ten decomposing bodies on the premises, some reportedly infested with gnats. This incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about the facility’s practices and the treatment of deceased individuals entrusted to their care. The Houston Police Department is actively investigating the funeral home and the circumstances surrounding the decaying remains.
Customer Stabbing Uncovers Disturbing Scene
The unsettling discovery unfolded on Friday when law enforcement officers responded to Richardson Mortuary in Houston. This response was triggered by reports of an altercation where a funeral home employee allegedly assaulted a client who had begun documenting the bodies present at the location, according to ABC13 news reports.
Family’s Visit Leads to Shocking Revelation
Tamara McGruder, the sister of the victim, stated that she and her brother visited the mortuary to inquire about the arrangements for their mother. Upon viewing the casket, Ms. McGruder recounted the distressing scene, stating to the news outlet, “I opened up the casket, and she had gnats in her face.”
Grim Conditions Documented on Video
Disturbing video footage, captured by Ms. McGruder and her brother, vividly depicted the abhorrent conditions within the funeral home. The video revealed bodies positioned haphazardly on tables and gurneys. Some remains were enveloped in plastic sheeting, while others were partially exposed.
No Air Conditioning and Foul Odors Reported
Ms. McGruder also reported the absence of air conditioning within the facility.
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“It’s bodies in caskets, boxes, plastic bags. It’s no A/C, it’s gnats. It smells like rotten blood,” she described the appalling environment.
Altercation Escalates to Stabbing
The unidentified funeral home worker instructed the family to leave the premises. When they refused to comply, the employee allegedly stabbed Ms. McGruder’s brother, as she recounted to the news source.
Police confirmed that the injury sustained was minor, allowing the victim to transport himself to the hospital for medical attention.
Due to the suspect’s claim of self-defense, authorities did not file charges against the worker in connection with the stabbing incident.
Social Media Fuels Identification of Additional Remains
Following the circulation of the video depicting the bodies on social media platforms, other families began recognizing their deceased loved ones within the footage.
Families Recognize Loved Ones Among Decaying Bodies
Grandmother Awaiting Cremation Found Unattended
Murita Brown identified her grandmother, Bonnie Ashley, who was expected to be cremated the previous month, among the bodies in the video.
“I saw a lady in purple in the same suit as my grandmother so I said, Wait a minute, that look like my grand momma,” Ms. Brown stated.
“This was March the 21st and she was supposed to be cremated already and we been waiting on her ashes and nothing having been happening,” she added, highlighting the significant delay and lack of communication.
Brother Believed Cremated Discovered in Video
Demetrious Riley-Sylvester informed Fox 26 news that she also believed her brother had already undergone cremation, only to discover his body in the distressing video footage.
“It’s like some trash or a dog. Just throw him away like he’s trash, and she had me believing. We were just waiting on them to bring the ashes,” she expressed her anguish and betrayal.
Texas Funeral Service Commission Investigates
Scott Bingaman, executive of the Texas Funeral Service Commission, confirmed that his agency became aware of the videos on Friday afternoon and subsequently contacted law enforcement. He noted to ABC13 that while it is not uncommon for funeral homes to temporarily keep bodies on tables, the reports of insect infestations and lack of air conditioning prompted immediate concern.
Mr. Bingaman dispatched an inspector to further investigate the allegations regarding unsanitary conditions and inadequate climate control.
Bodies Relocated and Criminal Charges Possible
Harris County Precinct 7 Constable Smokie Phillips informed ABC13 that the bodies discovered at Richardson Mortuary have been transferred to other funeral homes equipped with refrigeration facilities for proper preservation.
The owner of Richardson Mortuary could potentially face criminal charges as a result of the ongoing investigation.
“You could look at abuse of corpse, things of that nature, but we’ll know more as we go through it,” stated Capt. Jim Dale of the Houston Police Department to the news outlet, indicating the potential severity of the charges under consideration.
Richardson Mortuary has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the unfolding situation.