A local mother has publicly disclosed her ongoing struggle with a Houston funeral home following the state's decision to shut down the business over alleged misconduct, reports Click2Houston. Katherine Kennebrew has been desperately waiting to receive her son's cremated remains months after his funeral service, which occurred in February of this year.
The numerous complaints against Richardson Mortuary arose following a disturbing video that surfaced, depicting a room with decomposing bodies and a lack of proper care, which has been described as unacceptable by grieving families. Kennebrew recounted to Click2Houston how the funeral home's negligence has compounded her grief, stating, "You've hurt me more than you could ever know." She has yet to find any closure as the location of her son's ashes remains a mystery, despite her repeated inquiries and the subsequent legal actions taken against the funeral establishment.
In a similar vein, Tonya Brown's experience echoes Kennebrew's concerns, as reported by KHOU 11 News. Brown's son, Zakee Muhammad, became a patron of Richardson Mortuary following his tragic death in 2023. The conditions under which she saw her son's body were reportedly horrifying, as she was forced to hastily purchase a larger suit due to the condition of his remains. "They brought him out on a gurney in the middle of the chapel, lifted the sheet, gnats coming from under the sheet. My son was sweaty, dirty," she told KHOU 11 News. The recent revelations concerning the mortuary brought back painful memories for Brown, who empathized with the families now going through what she endured almost two years ago.
As both families deal with their difficult situations, the Texas Funeral Service Commission is now investigating Richardson Mortuary after receiving complaints. Richardson Mortuary has not responded to the media, but more families like Kennebrew’s are speaking out. Kennebrew has a clear message for others: “Do your research,” as per Click2Houston.
