In a notable turn of events in Austin, Texas, legal actions against a south Austin medical facility CEO and Adeline Bui, a former mortuary owner, have been dropped. Prosecutors have moved to dismiss the charges related to corpse abuse, bringing a new chapter to a saga that began with a troubling complaint earlier this year.

The roots of this case trace back to a report made to the Texas Funeral Service Commission by a former employee of Bui. The employee alleged that Bui had deceitfully initiated and procured no fewer than ten death certificates under the employee’s name. Furthermore, it was claimed that Bui engaged in unauthorized “experiments” on corpses’ arms. Following these serious allegations, Bui’s Capitol Mortuary Service shuttered its doors.

Central to the accusations was the CEO of MedtoMarket, a medical facility based in south Austin. Initially, the CEO faced allegations of supplying human remains to Bui’s mortuary for experiments on the effects of embalming fluid, actions purportedly conducted without proper authorization.

In a statement, the district attorney’s office indicated that after a meticulous evaluation, they decided to file for dismissal, citing “sufficient evidence of a legal defense.” District Attorney Jose Garza further elaborated that the dismissals primarily hinged on procedural grounds, highlighting that businesses involved in such activities are required to undergo an administrative review prior to facing criminal charges.

“The businesses in question fall under specific legal statutes that necessitate this administrative process, which was not adhered to in this instance,” Garza explained. He also pointed out that professionals in this industry are afforded certain legal protections concerning their work, which played a crucial role in the decision to dismiss the charges.

Bui still faces tampering with records charges.

During an April press conference about the case, the Austin Police Department said Bui admitted to forging documents with the former embalmer’s credentials to “process critical documents required for the intake and cremation of decedents.”

When the arrests happened, family members who used Capitol Mortuary Service became concerned their loved ones’ remains were not handled properly.

Jessica Huyhn, Bui’s attorney said “this case suffered from a rush to judgment and a failure to follow the evidence wherever it actually led, and in turn, significantly harmed our client,” and that she is “pleased” prosecutors recognized the “shortcomings” of the investigation.

 Additionally, Eric Nichols, the attorney for the medical training facility CEO said prosecutors’ “review included determining that no laws were violated and upholding the Texas legal protections against criminal and civil liability for professionals who work to allow others to use properly donated human tissue to advance medical science and practice.”

The Austin Police Department said its “homicide unit conducted a thorough and comprehensive investigation into this case in close coordination with the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. Our hearts remain with the families affected by this sensitive and complex case.”

Suspects’ attorneys called claims ‘unfounded’ from the start

Nichols said “the charges are unfounded” when we asked for a comment in April. He also said the police department’s press conference at that time about the case was “largely a repetition of the incorrect information that led to the unfounded charges.”

Nichols also stated “all of the activities done by [my client] and all the companies he works with were fully authorized by law.”

Bui’s attorney Jessica Huyhn said each of her client’s decedents “was treated with care and respect” and said early on “this case involves complexities that are not immediately apparent and should not be sensationalized.”