CHICAGO () — Authorities are investigating a funeral home on Chicago’s Southeast Side after dozens of bodies were discovered there in varying stages of decomposition.
Investigators spent hours Thursday night at South Chicago Chapel, located on East 95th Street, as they worked through the disturbing scene.
People who live nearby said a strong, foul smell had been lingering around South Chicago Chapel for weeks before officials arrived.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office said identifying the remains could take several days after dozens of bodies were found improperly stored inside the facility.
Investigators said more than 50 bodies were discovered at the funeral home in the South Deering neighborhood, with the remains in various states of decomposition.
Teams are now working to confirm the identities of the deceased and examine funeral home records, including death certificates.
Officials said they intend to coordinate with other agencies to notify families as quickly as they can.
ABC7 spoke with Tarshia Logan, who said her late husband’s viewing had been scheduled for Thursday, followed by his funeral on Friday.
When she and her family arrived to the funeral home, she said her husband’s body was nowhere to be found.
She said the one person who was at the facility walked away as she demanded answers. Her family is heartbroken.
“Right now, I’m OK, but I’m not OK,” Logan said. “We can’t do nothing but sit here and pray and see what’s gonna happen next, when they are gonna release the body to us. That’s gonna happen. Just let him go to rest so we don’t know what’s gonna happen next.”
ABC7 has reached out to the funeral home, and are still waiting for a response.
State records show that the owner of the facility is “Clark Morgan.” That is the same name of the person who ran Chicago Heights crematory that ABC7 reported on last year that was shut down after more than 100 bodies were found in improperly stored in trailers on the property.
ABC7 has learned Morgan’s wife, Johanna, was the funeral director at South Chicago Chapel.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation said Johanna Morgan’s license was just suspended on Wednesday and that’s not the first time. Records show she has faced a history of disciplinary action.
The latest came over conditions inside South Chicago Chapel. Records said Johanna allowed, “multiple decedents to be kept in an unrefrigerated area with deplorable conditions including rodent infestation, causing decomposition and maggot infestation of the bodies.”
After learning about all this, The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation said it’s working with investigators to ensure all appropriate regulatory and public safety steps are taken.
As for Clark Morgan, state records show his license was actually revoked by the state in 2024 for practicing on an expired license, and unprofessional conduct.
