Houston police investigate Richardson Mortuary after remains were found in deplorable conditions.
HOUSTON — A sister is demanding answers after her brother’s remains were discovered in deplorable conditions at a now-closed Richardson Mortuary, adding to her family’s grief months after his passing.
Demetris Sylvester learned about the situation through a video posted online, showing the poor state of the facility where her brother’s remains were kept.
“My whole family is hurting,” Sylvester said.
Houston police have launched an investigation into the mortuary, and the bodies have since been relocated from the premises.
Sylvester’s older brother died in late February. She had contacted the owner, Mr. Richardson, and held a funeral service in March. During their interaction,
Richardson had assured her, “Thank you for trusting me with your loved ones. And I want you to know that he’s in good hands.” Sylvester now laments, “Little did I know, he was not in good hands.”
According to Sylvester, Richardson promised that her brother’s ashes would be ready this week. Later, she received a call claiming the ashes were ready for pickup, but without a death certificate and at an unspecified location.
“I’m not coming to get them until somebody could tell me that’s my brother,” Sylvester insisted.
Attempts to reach Richardson for comment were unsuccessful. Two calls went unanswered, and his mailbox was full.
“I’ve been trying to contact where my brother is, and I have gotten anywhere, nowhere,” she said.
While holding onto photos to remember her brother, with whom she was “real close,” Sylvester is struggling to move forward.
“I want closure and answers. But the damage, it’s already done,” she said.
The disturbing discovery has reopened emotional wounds for the family that were just beginning to heal after their loss.