Full Breakdown
Dozens of Decomposing Bodies Discovered at South Chicago Chapel Funeral Home
8/7/2026, 9:28:02 PM
Core Event – August 6 Discovery
On Thursday, August 6, investigators from the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office entered the South Chicago Chapel funeral home at 2939 E. 95th St. after the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation requested a license inspection. Police reports listed 57 bodies stored in closets, a basement and an attached garage. The Chicago Fire Department declared the scene a hazardous-materials incident, and the site was cordoned off for forensic examination.
Background & Context – Prior Misconduct by the Morgans
The funeral home is owned by Clark X. Morgan, listed as president in state business records, and operated by his wife Johanna Morgan, the licensed funeral director. Both previously ran the Heights Crematory, shut down in 2025 after officials uncovered improperly stored bodies and unreturned cremated remains. Clark Morgan’s funeral-director license was revoked in 2024 and he was fined $10,000 for practicing on an expired license. Johanna Morgan’s license was temporarily suspended following the current investigation.
Data & Statistics – Body Count and Conditions
- 57 bodies identified in the police report; most news outlets cite “more than 50.”
- Bodies were stored unrefrigerated, with documented rodent and maggot infestations.
- The facility failed to maintain the required temperature of 40 °F (4.4 °C) for non-embalmed remains.
Official Statements & Responses
- The medical examiner’s office pledged to work with authorities to identify the decedents and notify families.
- Alderman Peter Chico expressed horror at the discovery and offered thoughts and prayers to affected families.
- No criminal charges have been announced; Area 2 detectives are conducting a parallel criminal probe.
On-the-Ground Reports – Community Impact
Neighbors reported a persistent foul odor for months, describing it as “like a dead mouse” and “like a sewer.” Families arrived seeking their loved ones’ remains; several reported that scheduled viewings proceeded without the bodies arriving. One woman said her husband’s funeral was set for Friday, but the body never appeared at the church.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Body count: The MEO and most outlets cite “more than 50,” while the police report specifies 57 bodies.
- Leadership: State records list Johanna Morgan as the funeral director, yet police reports identify Clark Morgan as the “funeral director” who initially refused police entry.
- License status: Sources describe Johanna Morgan’s license as “temporarily suspended,” while others note Clark Morgan’s 2024 revocation. The precise current status of each license remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Every time I come through here, I smell a foul smell in the air and I was wondering what that smell was, and I kept thinking maybe it was the sewer,” — Frank Dower, resident (WGN)
- “The discovery of decomposing remains waiting to be laid to rest this week at a South Side funeral home is heartbreaking and an abomination.” — Susana Mendoza, Illinois Comptroller
- “I have a 3-year-old, I live right next door,” — Valkiery Velez, neighbor
What’s Next – Ongoing Investigation
The MEO will continue forensic analysis and DNA testing to identify the decedents, a process that could extend for weeks. IDFPR investigators remain on site, and Chicago police detectives are pursuing potential criminal violations related to mishandling of human remains and consumer fraud. The funeral home remains sealed, and families are awaiting notification once identification is complete.
