New York Investigation: 13 Bodies and 17 Boxes of Ashes Found Inside Unlicensed Mount Vernon Funeral Home, Officials Say
MOUNT VERNON, NEW YORK — Authorities are investigating after officials say 13 bodies and 17 boxes of cremated remains were discovered inside an unlicensed funeral home in Mount Vernon. The discovery has sparked a growing investigation into how long the remains were inside the building and why families were allegedly left without proper services.
What Officials Say Was Found Inside the Funeral Home
According to the information shown, investigators alleged they found 13 decomposing bodies along with 17 boxes of ashes inside the facility. The location is described as an unlicensed funeral home, which raises immediate questions about oversight, paperwork, and whether required handling procedures were followed.
Why “Unlicensed” Matters in a Case Like This
Funeral homes are typically required to follow strict state rules involving custody of remains, documentation, storage conditions, and timely burial or cremation services. When a facility is operating without a license, it can mean there is no verified compliance system in place to ensure families receive the services they paid for—or even to confirm where a loved one’s remains are being kept.
That is why cases involving unlicensed operations tend to become multi-agency investigations once remains are discovered.
What Has Not Been Released Yet
Based on the limited details provided in the post, officials have not publicly shared:
- The identities of the deceased individuals
- Whether families have been contacted
- How long the remains were stored there
- Whether arrests have been made or charges filed
Those details are often released later as investigators confirm identities and reconstruct timelines.
What Happens Next in an Investigation Like This
In situations involving multiple sets of remains, authorities typically focus on three immediate steps: confirming identities, notifying next of kin, and determining whether any criminal violations occurred—such as improper handling of remains, fraud, or operating without required licensing.
Officials may also work to secure records, contracts, and communication history to determine what families were told.
A Broader Warning for Families Choosing Funeral Services
While most funeral homes operate legally and professionally, incidents like this highlight the importance of verifying a facility’s licensing status, service history, and documentation before signing contracts—especially when arranging urgent services under emotional pressure.
What do you think should happen when funeral service providers are caught operating without a license—stronger oversight, tougher penalties, or both? Share your thoughts with cabarrusweekly.com in the comments.
