In a startling development, authorities revealed to ABC7 that over 50 sets of cremated remains were uncovered alongside 56 decaying bodies at a funeral home in Chicago this week.
Early Friday morning, the discovery of numerous improperly stored bodies prompted their removal from the funeral home located on the city’s Southeast Side, following the grim find on Thursday evening.
Efforts to identify all the remains found at the South Chicago Chapel on 95th Street are underway, with the Cook County Medical Examiner leading the process, which could extend over several days.
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Officials noted the nearly 60 bodies were stored at unsafe temperatures, exceeding 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Local residents had reported a persistent foul smell over the past few months.
The involved teams are diligently working to match the deceased to their identities and cross-reference records, such as death certificates, to promptly notify the affected families.
On Saturday, the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to ABC7 that they are assisting Chicago police by storing more than 50 containers of cremated remains as they work to identify them. The cremated remains that were found are in addition to the 56 decomposing bodies that were found Thursday.
Families who used South Chicago Chapel in South Deering are demanding answers after authorities reported the discovery of 56 bodies that were allegedly stored improperly at the funeral home.
The families showed up to the funeral home Friday looking for answers. ABC7 has heard stories of frustration and heartbreak from those families. Many say they were left waiting for weeks or months, only to receive remains that they’re no longer sure are those of their loved ones.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, which licenses funeral directors, said it has suspended the license of funeral director Johanna Morgan. The agency also revoked the license of her husband, Clark Morgan, in 2024.
Last year, the state comptroller shut down a Chicago Heights crematory owned by Clark Morgan after more than 100 bodies were improperly stored there.
The state said Johanna Morgan’s license was just suspended on Wednesday, and that’s not the first time. Records show she has faced a history of disciplinary action.
The latest came over conditions inside South Chicago Chapel. Records said Johanna allowed, “multiple decedents to be kept in an unrefrigerated area with deplorable conditions including rodent infestation, causing decomposition and maggot infestation of the bodies.”
After learning about all this, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation said it’s working with investigators to ensure all appropriate regulatory and public safety steps are taken.
“They should have criminal charges pressed against them for how they mishandle these bodies,” Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza said. “These people should be in jail. That’s where they should be.”
Illinois State Police said Friday their crime scene services investigators have been helping the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identify the 56 bodies found in the building.
ABC7 has reached out to the funeral home and is still waiting for a response.
Also on Saturday, the Illinois state comptroller’s office said that it is investigating Bohemian National Cemetery and Crematorium in the 5200 block of North Pulaski Road in Chicago.
Bohemian was ordered not to accept any more remains, and they complied, officials said.
ABC7 is working to confirm whether or not the investigation at Bohemian National Cemetery and Crematorium is connected to the ongoing investigation at South Chicago Chapel.
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