South Chicago Chapel families demand answers after decomposing remains found

Families of the deceased held a vigil in Chicago to demand transparency and criminal charges following the discovery of 56 improperly stored, decomposing bodies at the South Chicago Chapel. The facility was shut down earlier this month after investigators responded to reports of a foul odor emanating from the building.

During the vigil, grieving relatives expressed frustration over the lack of information regarding the whereabouts and condition of their loved ones' remains. Some families reported receiving ashes that they believe are not human remains, with one relative describing the contents as appearing like “a pile of dirt and rocks.”

The funeral home is owned by Clark and Johanna Morgan. Investigators are looking into the facility, which had previously been linked to the shutdown of a Chicago Heights Crematory owned by the same couple last year. Advocates, including the executive director of Case Files Chicago, are calling on city and state officials to pursue criminal prosecution for the alleged mishandling of remains.