Chicago authorities are investigating a South Side funeral home where more than 50 bodies were found improperly stored and in various states of decomposition. The discovery at South Chicago Chapel came after months of complaints from nearby residents about a foul stench emanating from the building.
The Cook County Medical Examiner's Office was alerted to the situation by state and local officials. Investigators and forensic pathologists who responded to the scene found remains in various stages of decay, prompting an extensive assessment of the conditions. The process of identifying the decedents and verifying documentation, including death certificates, is expected to take several days.
State officials have suspended the license of one of the funeral home's directors, Johanna Morgan, who incorporated South Chicago Chapel Inc. in 2022. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation cited allegations of multiple bodies being kept in an unrefrigerated area under deplorable conditions, including rodent and maggot infestations, which led to decomposition.
According to state officials, Johanna Morgan's husband, Clark Morgan, is listed as the president of the funeral home. His funeral director's license was revoked earlier in 2024 due to practicing with an expired license and unprofessional conduct. Business records indicate that the couple previously operated a crematory that was also shut down by authorities for mishandling remains.
The funeral home is currently under police investigation, though no arrests or charges have been made in connection with the discovery. One woman, Latasha Johnson, told The Associated Press that her mother's funeral was held at the chapel on the same day authorities discovered the improperly stored bodies. She was informed that her mother's remains would require an autopsy and that she would need to identify them in the coming days.
