Infant Remains Found at Laundry Business
The remains of an infant that was supposed to be cremated at a Dallas funeral home in May were found at a Shreveport laundry business, police said.
It was determined the infant was a stillborn that died May 3 and was scheduled to be cremated at Golden Gate Funeral Home and Crematory in Dallas, Shreveport police said in a news release.
Funeral Home’s Response
Golden Gate, run by John Beckwith Jr., declined to comment on the incident to The Dallas Morning News.
Discovery of the Remains
Shreveport police found the remains on May 28 at Alsco Uniforms, a uniform rental and laundry service.
Crime in The News
Employees at first thought the remains were a doll wrapped in linens, police said. After getting a closer look, police said the workers realized it was an infant and authorities were contacted.
Investigation into the Incident
Police said in the release the infant was mistakenly transported with soiled linens to Shreveport.
The Texas Funeral Services Commission is investigating how the remains were misplaced and if the funeral home is at fault, police said. Police are also investigating, but said no foul play is suspected.
Funeral Home’s History
In 2013, Golden Gate aired episodes of a reality TV show on TLC called Best Funeral Ever that focused on the funeral home.
Golden Gate has been sued more than a dozen times after being accused of negligently handling bodies and remains.
Past Allegations Against the Funeral Home
Families who hired the funeral home said they were given the wrong person’s ashes, some ashes were thrown away, or bodies were left in a decomposed state during viewing, according to court documents.
Conclusion
The discovery of the infant remains at the laundry business has raised concerns about the handling of bodies and remains by funeral homes. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and it is unclear what actions will be taken against Golden Gate Funeral Home. However, the incident highlights the importance of ensuring that funeral homes are held to high standards of care and respect for the deceased and their families.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened to the infant remains?
The infant remains were mistakenly transported with soiled linens to a laundry business in Shreveport, where they were discovered by employees.
Q: Is the funeral home at fault?
The Texas Funeral Services Commission is investigating the incident to determine if the funeral home is at fault. Police are also investigating, but said no foul play is suspected.
Q: Has the funeral home been sued in the past?
Yes, Golden Gate Funeral Home has been sued more than a dozen times after being accused of negligently handling bodies and remains.
Q: What kind of allegations have been made against the funeral home?
Families who hired the funeral home have alleged that they were given the wrong person’s ashes, some ashes were thrown away, or bodies were left in a decomposed state during viewing, according to court documents.
