More Than 50 Bodies Found Improperly Stored At Chicago Funeral Home

CHICAGO — More than 50 deceased people were found improperly stored and in various stages of decomposition at a South Side funeral home, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office.

The office said it was notified by Illinois and Chicago officials about improperly stored decedents at the South Chicago Chapel, located at 2939 E. 95th St.

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Medical examiner investigators and forensic pathologists went to the business Friday afternoon and had found more than 50 decedents as of the office's initial announcement.

Identification Process Could Take Days

Medical examiner staff are assessing the condition of the remains while searching for documents that could establish their identities, including death certificates.

Officials said the process could take several days as investigators work to ensure the remains are properly handled.

The Medical Examiner's Office said it will work with authorities to identify the deceased as quickly as possible and notify their families.

No additional information was immediately released about how long the remains had been at the funeral home, who operated the business or what led authorities to discover the conditions.

The Medical Examiner's Office said additional information will be released as it becomes available.