Cook County officials are working to identify the deceased as families seek answers and state regulators investigate the funeral home’s operations.
CHICAGO, IL — The remains of 56 people were found improperly stored and in various stages of decomposition at a Chicago funeral home, prompting state licensing action, a police investigation and a large-scale effort to identify the deceased and contact their families.
The discovery at South Chicago Chapel, 2939 E. 95th St., came Thursday, Aug. 6, after state and local officials notified the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office that human remains were being stored improperly. Investigators and forensic pathologists were sent to the funeral home, and the medical examiner has since taken jurisdiction over the remains. The office said Friday that it was assessing their condition, confirming identities and checking death certificates and other records before final arrangements can be made.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation suspended funeral director Johanna Morgan’s license before the remains were removed. State officials alleged that multiple deceased people had been kept in an unrefrigerated area under what regulators described as “deplorable conditions.” The state cited rodent activity and other sanitation problems that allegedly contributed to decomposition. The suspension was based on regulators’ finding that allowing Morgan to continue practicing presented a danger to public safety, interest and welfare.
State business records identify Morgan as the person who incorporated South Chicago Chapel Inc. in 2022. Clark Morgan, whom state officials identify as her husband, is listed as the company’s president. His funeral director’s license was revoked in 2024 after regulators cited practice with an expired license and unspecified unprofessional conduct. Authorities have not said that either person has been criminally charged in connection with the remains found at South Chicago Chapel.
The couple also previously operated Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights, according to state officials. Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza said Friday that the crematory lost its license after authorities found improperly stored bodies and hundreds of cremated remains that had not been returned to families. Court records also list Johanna and Clark Morgan as defendants in lawsuits connected with the crematory. The earlier regulatory history has added scrutiny to how South Chicago Chapel was allowed to continue operating before this week’s discovery.
Neighbors told news organizations they had noticed a persistent foul odor around the funeral home for weeks or months before investigators entered the building. Some residents said complaints had been made to the city. Authorities have not publicly established how long each of the 56 remains had been stored at the funeral home or whether all of the deceased had been awaiting burial or cremation under the same circumstances.
The discovery has left families who used the funeral home searching for information about relatives whose services or cremations were being handled there. Latasha Johnson said her mother’s funeral had been held at South Chicago Chapel on Thursday, shortly before authorities arrived. She later learned about the remains found inside and said officials told her additional identification procedures would be required. “My heart is broken,” Johnson said as she described the uncertainty surrounding her mother’s remains.
Other families have also reported delays or unanswered questions involving funeral and cremation arrangements. Local television stations reported that some people went to the property Friday hoping to learn whether their relatives were among the remains taken into the medical examiner’s custody. Officials have not publicly confirmed individual identities, and the medical examiner has cautioned that the identification and documentation process could take several days.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office said it will contact relatives after remains are positively identified. Families may then choose a funeral home for final arrangements, and Cook County said it will provide cremation without charge for families who select that option. The county has also established a process for relatives to submit information about deceased family members who may have been in the care of South Chicago Chapel.
Chicago police said Friday that detectives were investigating and that no arrests had been announced. Police also corrected an earlier statement that had described the scene as a hazardous materials incident, saying fire officials had not made such a declaration. Illinois State Police crime scene personnel have been assisting the medical examiner with the identification work.
The immediate focus remains on identifying all 56 people, notifying their families and ensuring the remains receive proper disposition. Authorities have not announced when the identification process will be completed or whether the investigation will result in criminal charges or additional regulatory action.
Author note: Last updated August 8, 2026.