Funeral Home Director Arrested Over Discovery of Remains

Funeral Home Director Arrested Over Discovery of Remains

A Georgia funeral home owner faces multiple charges after the remains of 18 people in multiple stages of decomposition were discovered during an eviction process, shocking the local community and leaving families in distress.

At a Glance

  • Chris Johnson, 39, owner of Johnson Funeral Home in Douglas, Georgia, was arrested and charged with 17 counts of abuse of a dead body.
  • 18 bodies and two dead pets were found during the eviction process.
  • The investigation is ongoing, with additional charges expected.
  • Families report difficulties obtaining death certificates and contacting the funeral home.
  • Authorities have been working to identify remains and notify affected families.

Grim Discovery Shocks Douglas Community

The small town of Douglas, Georgia, was rocked by a concerning discovery at a local funeral home. Chris Johnson, the 39-year-old owner of Johnson Funeral Home, was arrested and charged with 17 counts of abuse of a dead body after authorities found the remains of 18 people in varied stages of decomposition during an eviction process. The Coffee County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), initiated the investigation on October 26, uncovering a scene that has left the community reeling.

The discovery has raised serious questions about the funeral home’s practices and the treatment of deceased individuals entrusted to their care. Adding to the disturbing nature of the findings, two decomposing pets were also found on the premises, further complicating the investigation and raising concerns about the overall operations of the establishment.

Families Left in Anguish

The revelation has hit particularly hard for families who had entrusted Johnson Funeral Home with the care of their loved ones. Many residents reported difficulties in contacting Johnson for funeral services, with some even resorting to threats of legal action to obtain death certificates. The situation has left many in a state of uncertainty and distress.

“We still have not yet received a death certificate that I paid for, in full, to Chris Johnson. I have called probably over 50-60 times, and he has not once returned my phone call. And I just wonder with all these bodies, is that even my mama’s body in this urn,” resident Sherri Thomas said.

The pain and uncertainty expressed by Thomas echo the sentiments of many affected families. The Coffee County Coroner, Brandon Musgrove, has stated that efforts are underway to identify the remains and notify the families involved, urging patience during this complex process.

Ongoing Investigation and Community Response

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation is taking a central role in managing the case due to its complexity. Authorities are actively seeking information from the public, with contact details provided for both the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office and the GBI Regional Investigative Office. The community’s cooperation is crucial in piecing together the full extent of the situation.

“The first reaction was, I hope it wasn’t our daughter. But then you realize, if it’s not our daughter, it’s someone else’s” residents Jeff and Tiffany Evans said.

The GBI has emphasized the importance of public assistance, promoting their “See Something, Send Something” initiative. Anonymous tips can be submitted via phone, online, or through a mobile app, ensuring that individuals with relevant information can come forward without fear of repercussion.

Legal Proceedings and Future Implications

As the investigation continues, the GBI has indicated that additional charges are expected. Once the investigation is complete, the case will be handed over to the Waycross Judicial Circuit District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.

This disturbing case serves as a stark reminder of the trust placed in funeral homes and the devastating impact when that trust is betrayed. As the community of Douglas grapples with this shocking discovery, many are left questioning the safeguards in place to protect the dignity of the deceased and the rights of grieving families.

Sources

  1. Douglas funeral home owner facing eviction charged after discovery of 18 decomposing bodies
  2. Funeral home owner arrested in Coffee County after 18 decomposing bodies found
  3. Georgia Funeral Home Director Arrested After 18 Decomposing Bodies Found During Eviction Process