Families seek answers amid investigations into South Chicago Chapel, Bohemian National Cemetery
56 bodies found in various states of decomposition on Aug. 6 at South Chicago Chapel, officials say
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Dozens of families are searching for answers after investigations involving South Chicago Chapel and Bohemian National Cemetery raised concerns about whether the remains of their loved ones were properly handled.
Among them was Jacklyn Russ, whose mother died in 2024. Russ said South Chicago Chapel handled her mother's funeral arrangements, but she never saw her mother's body before the burial and now has lingering questions.
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"It still bothered me not knowing if my mom is on the ground or not?" Russ said during a community forum held for affected families.
Russ is one of many people trying to understand the scope of recent investigations involving South Chicago Chapel and Bohemian National Cemetery.
Authorities said 56 decomposing bodies and more than 50 sets of cremated remains were discovered at South Chicago Chapel last week. Investigators are also examining connections between the funeral home's operators, Clark and Johanna Morgan, and Bohemian National Cemetery and Crematorium.
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At a community forum, crisis responders and attorneys met with families to hear their concerns and discuss legal options.
"So families right now they're kind of in a holding pattern, just wanting to know ... where is my loved one? Is this my loved one I have in this urn?" said Lisette Guillen, the Executive Director of Case Files Chicago.
"All of them are angry, all of them are sad, all of them are in the state of shock," Guillen said.
According to Illinois Office of Comptroller, inspectors visiting Bohemian National Cemetery and Crematorium in July and found human remains that were not stored at proper temperatures, along with refrigeration and cremation equipment that wasn't working.
The state comptroller's office said 35 bodies at the facility were awaiting cremation. Officials also said at least 22 of those bodies have been tied to the owners of South Chicago Chapel and Planet Green Cremations in Glenwood, a storefront also owned by the Morgans.
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Guillen said the number of families affected may continue to grow as the investigation progresses.
"So this thing is barely you know the tip of the iceberg and unfortunately there are so many families affected," she said.
ABC7 reached out to Bohemian National Cemetery and the owners of South Chicago Chapel for comment, but did not hear back.
The Illinois Office of Comptroller said its investigation into Bohemian National Cemetery is ongoing and that possible fines and license suspensions are being considered.
