Introduction to a Disturbing Discovery
A hearse is parked outside a funeral home in Austin, Texas, but the focus has shifted to a mortuary in Houston where the remains of over 100 people were removed due to an ongoing investigation. This mortuary, Richardson Mortuary, was ordered to close by the Texas Funeral Service Commission because of the deplorable conditions found inside.
The Investigation Unfolds
The Houston Police Department is currently working to identify the family members of 89 people whose cremated remains were taken from Richardson Mortuary. Additionally, 13 other deceased individuals were transferred to different funeral homes in the area. The investigation began after a customer posted a video showing the inside of the funeral home, prompting the commission to inspect the premises on April 11.
Conditions at the Mortuary
Upon inspection, officials found a partially collapsed roof, areas exposed to the outdoors, and insects on some of the deceased. Scott Bingaman, the executive director of the Texas Funeral Service Commission, described the scene as "in complete and total disarray" and "unorganized." The condition of the mortuary raises serious questions about how it had been operating, especially considering the state it was found in.
Efforts to Reunite Remains with Loved Ones
The commission faces a significant challenge in locating the families of the deceased due to the lack of paper records at the funeral home. They are relying on vital statistics and electronic records to try to reunite the remains with their loved ones. As of the latest update, six of the 89 sets of cremated remains had been claimed by family members. For those who believe their loved ones’ ashes might have been at the mortuary, the Houston Police Department’s Major Offenders Division can be contacted at 713-308-3100 or 713-308-3192.
The Road to Resolution
The police department is committed to returning the remains to their families in a timely, respectful, and dignified manner. However, the investigation is ongoing, and no criminal charges have been filed yet. The funeral home will remain closed until further notice, with the commission expected to decide on its potential reopening after the investigation concludes.
A Unique Case
According to Bingaman, while there have been instances where the state commission has ordered the transfer of remains from a funeral home, the case of Richardson Mortuary stands out due to its prolonged operation in an incapacitated state. The commission is looking into how long the building has been in such a condition, potentially even before the last hurricane.
Conclusion
The situation at Richardson Mortuary highlights the importance of regulatory oversight in the funeral service industry. The removal of over 100 remains and the deplorable conditions found at the mortuary are a stark reminder of the need for strict adherence to health, safety, and dignity standards in facilities handling the deceased. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on reuniting the remains with their loved ones and ensuring that such neglect does not happen again in the future.
