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Funeral Home Owners Charged with Fraud and Misconduct

11/20/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Richard Elkin and Hayley Bell, owners of Elkin and Bell Funerals in Gosport, face charges of preventing lawful burial and fraud.
A jury heard they left a decomposing body in a mortuary room with water leaking down the walls.
William Mitchell, 87, remained uncremated for 36 days despite a prepaid funeral plan.
The defendants deny all charges, including forgery tied to a false certificate from National Association of Funeral Directors.

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Story summary

Richard Elkin and Hayley Bell, owners of Elkin and Bell Funerals in Gosport, face charges of preventing lawful burial and fraud.
A jury heard they left a decomposing body in a mortuary room with water leaking down the walls.
William Mitchell, 87, remained uncremated for 36 days despite a prepaid funeral plan.
The defendants deny all charges, including forgery tied to a false certificate from National Association of Funeral Directors.