In an unsettling development out of Chicago Heights, Illinois, the Heights Crematory has been forced to temporarily halt its operations amid allegations of mishandling deceased bodies. Following an investigation that began in mid-February, the Illinois Comptroller's office – tasked with overseeing the state's cremation industry – is taking a closer look at the practices at this establishment, as reported by CBS News Chicago.
Gruesome imagery from within a trailer on the crematory's grounds showcases a macabre tableau: uncovered faces, and bodies partially enveloped in sheets or plastic. Families, in their wish to honor those they have lost, unknowingly send their loved ones to such compromised care, as the conditions at the crematory have remained out of sight, and until now, out of mind. Clark Morgan, operator of Heights Crematory, declined to comment on the situation when reached out to by CBS News Chicago.
Height's willingness to pause its services signals a tacit acknowledgment of the gravity of these findings, yet the state has allowed the cremation of remaining bodies under vigilant regulatory oversight. The KTVZ report adds that financial troubles have previously clouded the facility's standing, citing millions in tax liens, including a staggering $1.8 million demand from the IRS dating back to 2023.
Complicating matters further, CBS News Chicago's investigation revealed an interstate transfer of remains between Heights Crematory and Crown Cremations in Indiana, the latter seemingly without the required Illinois licensure to store bodies on Heights property. Reacting to these findings, Jim Clement, attorney for Richard Sallie who runs Crown Cremations declared, "Crown Cremations is disappointed to hear these things and has severed their relationship with Heights Crematory," and assured of the company's cooperation with investigating authorities.
As the investigation proceeds, the potential consequences loom: up to $5,000 in penalties for each infringement and the possibility of license revocation could befall Heights Crematory.
