HOUSTON, TX – A local funeral home is under scrutiny after a disturbing video showing neglected bodies was widely shared online, prompting an investigation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. This unsettling footage was captured by a family member visiting Richardson Mortuary, who discovered the alarming conditions and alerted others.
The viral video reportedly showed bodies haphazardly stored throughout the building, stirring outrage among families with loved ones in the mortuary’s care.
One woman identified her grandmother, who was scheduled for cremation, among the deceased shown in the footage. The scene inside was described as unsanitary and distressing, with some bodies uncovered and the facility lacking ventilation.
The situation escalated when an employee allegedly stabbed the man filming the video after a confrontation. The victim, who sustained a minor injury to his stomach, stated he would seek medical attention independently. Authorities mentioned the possibility of self-defense but are continuing their investigation.
Neither the individual who was recording the video nor the employee involved in the incident have been identified publicly. The victim’s sister, Tamara McGruder, has vocally criticized the mortuary’s handling of the deceased, recounting her shock upon finding their mother and uncle stored in disturbing conditions amidst ongoing construction.
McGruder described scenes of bodies in various states, from caskets to makeshift storage, with insects and decay present due to absent air conditioning. Her distress was echoed by Murita Brown, who recognized her grandmother in the video, wearing a familiar outfit intended for a service that had not occurred.
In a similar account, Demtrious Riley-Sylvester shared her disbelief upon discovering that her brother’s remains, which the family was informed had been cremated, were still present at the facility. She expressed feelings of betrayal and heartache over the misinformation and mishandling.
Harris County Precinct 7 Constable Smokie Phillips reported that Richardson Mortuary’s owner, who is currently hospitalized following a heart attack, has been permitting the transfer of bodies to other funeral homes. The mortuary has reportedly faced 14 complaints over the past decade, raising further questions about its operations and oversight.