Crystal Farrow Sues Elmo’s Tombstone Service at 6000-block S. State Street, Owned by Darius Knox, in Small Claims Court

CHICAGO (WLS) — Several consumers turned to ABC7 I-Team Consumer Investigator Jason Knowles, saying they have been waiting one to two years for tombstones for their loved ones.

In all, the I-Team has investigated eight cases now from people who cannot get tombstones and are dealing with “tombstone turmoil.”

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All of them said they paid anywhere from about $1,000 to $4,000 to one company for tombstones and never received them.

Now, a second consumer has filed a small claims lawsuit.

Crystal Farrow is suing Elmo’s Tombstone Service in the 6000-block of South State Street and its owner, Darius Knox. She paid $1,500 almost two years ago for her late husband’s tombstone, but she is still waiting for it. Her lawsuit is asking for $5,000 for what she calls “pain and suffering” and the additional cost of a new tombstone from another company.

SEE ALSO | Consumers struggle to get refunds from Chicago tombstone business over missing, erroneous headstones

“I want to say, it’s a shame. We all are suffering,” Farrow said. “I think about my husband; it just hurts bad.”

Elmo’s and Knox have not commented on what is now the second small claims lawsuit. In this case, a hearing is scheduled for mid-October where Knox can respond to the allegations. In ABC7’s report about the first four customers, the owner said, “The customers will receive a full refund. I apologize for the delay in resolving the issue and appreciate your patience. I will ensure it is rectified as soon as possible.”

So far, consumers say they have not gotten those refunds. The I-Team will keep you updated with any developments.

READ MORE | More families share grave grievances involving Chicago tombstone business: ‘We all are suffering’