Horrifying discovery as dozens of decomposing bodies found in basement of Chicago funeral home
More than four dozen bodies in various stages of decomposition were reportedly found in the basement and attached garage of a Chicago funeral home.
Authorities in the Windy City received a tip on Thursday about the South Chicago Chapel and asked that police accompany them to an inspection, sources told the Chicago Tribune.
Funeral director Johanna Morgan’s license has since been suspended, according to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation records obtained by CBS News.
They show Morgan had been ‘allowing multiple decedents to be kept in an unrefrigerated area with deplorable conditions, including rodent infestation causing decomposition and maggot infestation of the bodies.’
Investigators then determined the facility’s ‘continued practice is a danger to the public safety, interest and welfare.’
As night descended on the city, a squad car was seen parked outside the funeral home while police officers blocked off the area.
Officials from the city’s Department of Buildings were also spotted at the scene.
The tip on Thursday came after neighbors complained of a foul odor akin to a dead animal in the area for nearly two months. At times, the stench was so potent, it made it difficult to venture outside, they said.
More than four dozen bodies in various stages of decomposition were reportedly found in the basement and attached garage of a Chicago funeral home (pictured)
But neighbors have said they never suspected anything was amiss at the funeral home that had opened a couple of years ago.
Janice Skylas, who often does yard work outside, said she had not ‘thought anything about’ the strange smell.
Then a couple of weeks ago, she said she saw what appeared to be workers from the funeral home lay new white gravel outside.
‘But before that, it wasn’t a place I would take somebody,’ she said.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated.
