Texas Mortuary Owner Accused of ‘Experimentation’ on Corpses
Introduction to the Case
A Texas mortuary owner is accused of conducting gruesome experiments on corpses, chopping off "heads, arms and spines" to test the impact of embalming fluids, officials said.
Adeline Ngan-Bui, the 50-year-old operator of Capital Mortuary Services, was charged with abuse of corpse and tampering with government records, Austin police said.
Investigation and Charges
An investigation began after an embalmer took the accusations to regulators with the Texas Funeral Commission, court documents showed.
Officials said Bui told investigators about the experiments.
"Bui also confirmed she had directed her employees to conduct experiments on bodies to study the effects of embalming fluid, with and without formaldehyde, which included cutting heads, arms, and spines from remains sent to her facility while acting in the licensed capacity as a mortuary," Austin police Detective Brice Bishop wrote in an April 17 affidavit supporting charges against Bui.
"She approximated up to 15 bodies had been mutilated and subject to experimentation," the affidavit reads.
Response from the Accused
Bui’s attorney, Jessica Huynh, urged the public not to jump to any hasty conclusions about the woman, who is free on bail.
“Our criminal justice system is based on the presumption of innocence and a careful, critical evaluation of the evidence, facts, and their sources," Huynh said in a statement to NBC News.
"This case involves complexities that are not immediately apparent and should not be sensationalized. Our legal team remains fully committed to defending and advocating for our client, Adeline Bui, with the expectation of fairness and due process.”
Industry Perspective
Jolena Grande was one of four women in her class when she studied to become a mortician. Now a professor of mortuary sciences at Cypress College, Grande says most of their students are women, but the next generation is still facing harmful stereotypes on who belongs in death services.
Conclusion
The case of Adeline Ngan-Bui has brought to light the darker side of the mortuary industry, where the dead are supposed to be treated with dignity and respect. As the investigation continues, it is essential to remember that the accused is innocent until proven guilty. The case has also sparked a conversation about the need for stricter regulations and oversight in the industry to prevent such abuses from happening in the future.
FAQs
- Q: Who is Adeline Ngan-Bui?
A: Adeline Ngan-Bui is the 50-year-old owner of Capital Mortuary Services in Texas, accused of conducting experiments on corpses. - Q: What are the charges against Adeline Ngan-Bui?
A: Bui is charged with abuse of corpse and tampering with government records. - Q: How many bodies were allegedly mutilated?
A: According to the affidavit, Bui approximated that up to 15 bodies had been mutilated and subject to experimentation. - Q: What is the current status of Adeline Ngan-Bui?
A: Bui is free on bail as the investigation and legal proceedings continue.