Authorities discovered more than 50 bodies improperly stored and decomposing at the South Chicago Chapel funeral home, leading state officials to suspend the license of one of its directors. The discovery was made on Thursday after neighborhood residents had reported a "stench" emanating from the facility for months.
Illinois state officials suspended the license of funeral director Johanna Morgan, alleging that bodies were being kept in an unrefrigerated area in "deplorable conditions," including rodent and maggot infestation, which caused decomposition. The state Department of Financial and Professional Regulation stated that Morgan's continued practice posed a danger to public safety.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office was notified by state and local officials and dispatched investigators. The remains were found in various stages of decomposition, and the office is working to identify the decedents and locate death certificates. Family notifications will be made after identifications are confirmed. This process is expected to take several days.
Latasha Johnson, 55, whose mother’s funeral was held at the chapel on Thursday, learned of the discovery and was told her mother's body would require an autopsy and identification. "I’m discombobulated. My heart is broken," Johnson said.
State business records indicate that Johanna Morgan incorporated South Chicago Chapel Inc. in 2022. Her husband, Clark Morgan, is listed as the funeral home's president. State officials noted that Clark Morgan's funeral director license was revoked in 2024 for practicing with an expired license and "unprofessional conduct."
Johanna and Clark Morgan previously operated a crematory in Chicago Heights that had its license revoked last year. Authorities discovered improperly stored bodies and hundreds of cremated remains that had not been returned to families at that facility. State Comptroller Susana Mendoza called the discovery at South Chicago Chapel "heartbreaking and an abomination."
Chicago police confirmed detectives are investigating the matter, but no arrests have been announced. Messages left for the funeral home and an attorney listed as their business agent were not immediately returned. The Morgans reportedly live in Evergreen Park, a Chicago suburb.
This incident follows a pattern of similar discoveries across the country in recent years, including cases in Colorado, Georgia, and Indiana involving mishandled or decomposing remains found at funeral homes.