Web Desk
HOUSTON – A funeral home in southwest Houston is under investigation after a disturbing Facebook video revealed dead bodies stored without air conditioning—some allegedly left out since February.
The same location was also the site of a stabbing incident involving an employee.
The viral video, posted by David McGruder, showed chilling footage inside Richardson Mortuary on Brookfield Drive.
McGruder said he visited the facility expecting to see his mother, only to find multiple decomposing bodies left in poorly ventilated areas.
“They got dead bodies in this building with no AC,” McGruder said in the video. “These are your loved ones. They’re not taking care of them.” By Friday, the video had amassed over 6 million views, sparking public outrage.
Scott Bingaman, Director of the Texas Funeral Service Commission (TFSC), confirmed that the footage accurately reflected the current conditions inside the funeral home.
He acknowledged that while it’s common for funeral homes to temporarily hold bodies, the timeline in this case raised serious concerns.
“This situation is abnormal considering that they’ve been there for as long as they have,” Bingaman stated.
According to TFSC, the facility’s owner, Michael Bell, was hospitalized in February.
Additionally, the building reportedly suffered roof damage during Hurricane Beryl. Bell has since reached out to other funeral homes for help managing the bodies.
Houston Police and Harris County Sheriff’s Office officials joined the TFSC in inspecting the mortuary Friday evening.
At the same time, grieving family members stood outside in the Texas heat, stunned by the condition of the bodies inside.
“They’re in the middle of the hallway,” one woman said. “Different caskets, different boxes—it’s heartbreaking. I’m glad it’s finally being exposed.”
The situation escalated further when Houston Police confirmed that an employee of Richardson Mortuary stabbed someone earlier in the day.
HPD spokesperson Erika Ramirez said officers responded just before noon to reports of an assault.
While details remain limited, it was confirmed that the assailant works at the funeral home.
The investigation remains ongoing.