Illinois, Indiana families announce new lawsuits against Crown Cremation, Chicago Heights Crematory for mishandling remains
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — Attorneys announced more civil lawsuits Thursday against crematoriums in Chicago Heights and Crown Point, Indiana.

The facilities are accused of negligence and gross mishandling of human remains.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The initial lawsuit was filed in April. Subsequently, others came forward, raising concerns that their loved ones’ remains might have been mishandled as well.

The new lawsuits from Illinois and Indiana families were announced during a press conference Thursday morning in Chicago

A widow from Munster, Indiana sued the two cremation businesses last month.

She says they mishandled her late husband’s remains.

Darla Smith’s husband, Darryl, died last August.

The lawsuit alleges that Crown Cremation in Indiana transferred her husband’s remains to Heights Crematory in Illinois, where they were not properly refrigerated and remained uncremated for almost three weeks.

“I can’t say for certain if the remains I received are truly my husband’s,” Darla Smith stated. “That was also the first question my children asked when I told them. Is it their father?”

Heights Crematory was recently shut down by the state, after 100 bodies were found.

They were improperly stored.

Neither crematorium has commented on the lawsuit.

“In the weeks since Darla Smith’s lawsuit was filed, we’ve experienced a tidal wave of calls and emails from distressed families,” attorney Gabriel Hawkins said. “It appears that reports in the media thus far are not isolated incidents for periods of a few weeks, but again appear part of a much broader and disturbing pattern.”

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Iran's 'basement' Chinese drone networks spark fears of sleeper cell attacks on US soil

Unveiling Iran’s Covert Drone Networks: Potential Sleeper Cell Threats Loom Over the US

Iran is reportedly developing a decentralized drone warfare capability within the basements…
Inside Iran’s ruling ideology: How a ‘holy mission’ and messianic doctrine fuel regime extremism

Exploring Iran’s Governing Ideology: The Role of ‘Holy Mission’ and Messianic Beliefs in Shaping Regime Extremism

For Mehdi Ghadimi, Iran’s ruling ideology is not just an abstract concept…
Pope Leo XIV celebrates first Easter vigil, calls for harmony and peace in a world torn by war

Pope Leo XIV’s Historic Easter Vigil: A Call for Global Unity Amidst Conflict

Pope Leo XIV led a solemn yet hopeful Easter vigil on Saturday…
Gray whale that swam 20 miles up a Washington state river is found dead

Tragic Discovery: Gray Whale Found Deceased After Unusual Journey Up Washington River

A young gray whale, which captivated the residents of Washington state by…
1 dead, 1 in critical condition after brazen Easter Sunday shooting on NYC street

Easter Sunday Shooting in NYC Leaves One Dead, Another Critically Injured

An Easter Sunday shooting left a young man dead and another critically…
Billboard trolling Dale Warner goes viral after his murder conviction in wife Dee's case

Billboard Criticizing Dale Warner Gains Viral Attention Following Conviction in Wife Dee’s Murder Case

A Michigan billboard is making waves by taking a jab at Dee…
Daughter of top Iranian official ousted from Emery University after outcry has visa cancelled

Emory University Expels Iranian Official’s Daughter Amid Controversy; U.S. Visa Revoked Following Public Outcry

Dr. Fatemeh Ardeshir-Larijani, the daughter of a high-ranking official from Tehran, is…
Archaeologists uncover mysterious Christian artifact near waters tied to Jesus' ministry: 'No known parallel'

Archaeologists Discover Unique Christian Relic in Region Linked to Jesus’ Ministry: ‘Unprecedented Find

Archaeologists have made an extraordinary discovery near the Sea of Galilee, unearthing…
Gray Davis gives shock advice for 2026 California governor's race

Former Governor Gray Davis Unveils Surprising Strategy for 2026 California Race

A former governor of California has expressed his opposition to the notion…
Video shows crazy road rage cat fight that has witness begging priest for 'a blessing'

Watch: Shocking Road Rage Catfight Leaves Witness Seeking Divine Intervention

An altercation over a parking mishap in Yonkers escalated into a chaotic…
FBI warns some foreign apps could collect Americans’ data — even if you never download them

FBI Alerts Public to Potential Data Collection Risks from Foreign Apps, Even Without Download

The FBI has issued a new alert highlighting the potential risks of…
Spear member Daniel Corbett was accused of wanting to kill Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic

Shocking Allegations: Spear Member Daniel Corbett Accused of Targeting Serbian President Vucic

A former member of the Special Forces, once part of a high-stakes…