The Associated Press is reporting that the remains of 56 people were found improperly stored and decomposing Thursday at a Chicago funeral home, run by a couple who previously operated a crematory that was shut down in similar conditions and due to mishandled remains, authorities reported.
Illinois state officials suspended the license of one of the funeral home’s directors, alleging that bodies were being kept in an unrefrigerated area in “deplorable conditions”. The discovery reportedly came months after neighborhood residents began noticing a strong stench coming from the funeral home, leading to complaints to the city.
No arrests were immediately announced, but Chicago city police said detectives were investigating the case.