Dozens of Decomposing Bodies Found at South Chicago Funeral Home Amid License Suspension

Authorities Launch Investigation After Gruesome Discovery

Dozens of decomposing bodies were uncovered on Thursday at the South Chicago Chapel, located at 2939 E. 95th St. in the South Deering neighborhood, as part of an ongoing investigation that has shocked the local community.

The Cook County medical examiner's office confirmed that police discovered a total of 57 bodies during a walkthrough of the funeral home. Officers were responding to a tip-off that the facility was in violation of state regulations requiring that bodies be stored at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. According to police reports obtained by the Chicago Sun-Times, the bodies were not refrigerated and were in various states of decomposition at the time of the discovery.

Police Encounter Resistance During Inspection

Upon arriving at the scene, officers were met by funeral director Clark Morgan, who initially cooperated but subsequently refused re-entry when officers sought to further investigate. Morgan cited legal advice from his attorney as the reason for his refusal, prompting officers to request assistance from the Chicago Fire Department to gain access.

The funeral home’s license was revoked just one day prior to the discovery, although it remains unclear why the police did not investigate the establishment immediately after the revocation. According to reports, neighborhood concerns over foul odors had been mounting for months, with some residents detecting a distressing smell since winter.

Community Reactions and Concerns

Local residents expressed a mix of disbelief and relief as the investigation unfolded. Many had reported the persistent foul odors and had even placed traps to combat the swarms of flies originating from the funeral home. One resident noted, “I thought it was weird. … But we had an idea of what was going on.”

Distraught family members gathered outside the chapel, some seeking information about their loved ones, including one woman whose mother had been buried there in July. She described her anxiety, saying, “I just hope she’s not in there, but something is telling me she is.”

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office announced that they are working diligently to assess the conditions of the remains and to identify the deceased, with the process expected to take several days. They emphasized their commitment to notifying family members as quickly as possible.

Legal and Regulatory Actions Underway

In addition to the funeral home’s license suspension, the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has also suspended the license of registered funeral director Johanna Morgan. The department had been investigating the funeral home for several months prior to the discovery of the bodies.

A voicemails left at the funeral home seeking comment remained unanswered. Online reviews had already hinted at mounting grievances, with one recent one-star review calling the chapel “HORRIBLE!! It smells and they are very unprofessional.”

Investigation Continues Amid Community Outcry

As investigations continue, local authorities are focusing on ensuring the proper identification and disposition of the remains, while also addressing the community’s concerns over the prolonged odor and the disturbing discovery at the funeral home. The police have cordoned off the area surrounding the chapel as they further examine the site, and neighbors continue to hope for closure regarding their missing loved ones.