Crystal Farrow Initiates Small Claims Lawsuit Against Elmo’s Tombstone Service and Owner Darius Knox on South State Street

CHICAGO (WLS) — Many consumers turned to ABC7 I-Team Consumer Investigator Jason Knowles, claiming they have been waiting one to two years for tombstones for their deceased family members.

In all, the I-Team has investigated eight cases now from people who cannot get tombstones and are dealing with “tombstone turmoil.”

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All of them said they paid anywhere from about $1,000 to $4,000 to one company for tombstones and never received them.

Now, a second consumer has filed a small claims lawsuit.

Crystal Farrow is taking legal action against Elmo’s Tombstone Service located in the 6000-block of South State Street, along with its owner, Darius Knox. She paid $1,500 nearly two years ago for her late husband’s tombstone and is still waiting. Her lawsuit seeks $5,000 for “pain and suffering” as well as the cost of acquiring a new tombstone from another provider.

“I want to say, it’s a shame. We all are suffering,” Farrow said. “I think about my husband; it just hurts bad.”

There has been no response from Elmo’s and Knox regarding this second small claims lawsuit. A hearing is set for mid-October, providing Knox the opportunity to address the claims. In the ABC7 report covering the initial four customers, the owner stated, “The customers will receive a full refund. I apologize for the delay in resolving the issue and appreciate your patience. I will ensure it is rectified as soon as possible.”

So far, consumers say they have not gotten those refunds. The I-Team will keep you updated with any developments.

READ MORE | More families share grave grievances involving Chicago tombstone business: ‘We all are suffering’