50 Decomposing Bodies Found at Chicago Funeral Home

Chicago: More than 50 bodies were found improperly stored and decomposing at a Chicago funeral home, prompting a hazardous materials response and an investigation, authorities said.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office said investigators and forensic pathologists were sent to South Chicago Chapel after being alerted that bodies were being improperly stored. The remains were in various stages of decomposition.

Illinois authorities temporarily suspended funeral director Johanna Morgan’s licence, alleging that multiple bodies were kept in an unrefrigerated area in “deplorable conditions”, including rodent and maggot infestation.

Police said detectives were investigating, but no arrests have been announced. State Comptroller Susana Mendoza said Morgan and Clark Morgan previously operated a crematory whose licence was revoked last year after authorities found improperly stored bodies and hundreds of cremated remains that had not been returned to families.