57 Decomposing Bodies Found in Basement of Chicago Funeral Home
Chicago police and state regulators are investigating a South Side funeral home after authorities discovered dozens of bodies inside the facility and suspended the funeral director’s license over alleged health and safety violations.
Authorities Find 57 Bodies Inside Funeral Home
The investigation began on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at South Chicago Chapel, located near 95th Street and Exchange Avenue in Chicago’s South Deering neighborhood.
According to officials, investigators recovered the remains of 57 people from various areas of the property, including the basement, closets, and an attached garage.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Chicago Police Department remain at the scene as investigators document the remains and continue their investigation.
State Suspends Funeral Director’s License
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation issued an emergency suspension of the funeral director’s license held by Johanna Morgan, citing conditions that officials said posed an immediate risk to public health and safety.
State records allege that multiple bodies were not properly refrigerated and that inspectors found significant sanitation and maintenance concerns inside the facility.
Authorities have not announced any criminal charges.
Investigation Continues
Officials are working to identify all of the decedents and determine how long the bodies remained inside the funeral home.
The area surrounding the funeral home remains restricted while investigators process the scene.
State regulators and law enforcement agencies continue to investigate whether additional violations occurred at the facility.
