More Than 50 Bodies Found Decomposing With Rats, Maggots In Chicago Funeral Home

More than 50 bodies were found decomposing in a Chicago funeral home Thursday night.

The grim discovery came after neighbors reported a horrible smell coming from the South Chicago Chapel funeral home for months. Officials found 56 bodies that were stored unrefrigerated at or above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, according to ABC7 Chicago.

The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office told the Associated Press the agency was notified by state and local officials that the bodies were being stored improperly, prompting investigators and forensic pathologists to head to the scene. The remains were in various states of decomposition.

In addition to the 56 bodies, more than 50 containers of cremated remains were also found at the funeral home, officials confirmed Saturday, per ABC7.

State disciplinary records allege Johanna Morgan allowed multiple bodies to be “kept in an unrefrigerated area with deplorable conditions including rodent infestation, causing decomposition and maggot infestation of the bodies,” according to the outlet.

Now officials are working to identify the remains and notify families.

“Staff is assessing the conditions of the remains, searching for documentation regarding identification of the decedents as well as death certificates. This process could take several days to ensure proper disposition,” the medical examiner’s office said in a statement.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation told ABC7 the department temporarily suspended the license of funeral director Johanna Morgan on Wednesday — the day before the bodies were discovered. The agency also revoked the license of her husband, Clark Morgan, in 2024.

Last year, the state comptroller shut down a Chicago Heights crematory owned by Clark Morgan after more than 100 bodies were improperly stored at that location.

“They should have criminal charges pressed against them for how they mishandle these bodies,” Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza said. “These people should be in jail. That’s where they should be.”

At this point no arrests have been announced, but the circumstances are still under investigation.