HOUSTON, TX – April 11, 2025 — Richardson Mortuary, a long-standing funeral home in southwest Houston, is now at the center of a growing scandal involving the mishandling of human remains, unsafe facility conditions, and a violent altercation that left a grieving family member hospitalized.
The controversy erupted after David McGruder, whose mother was being prepared for burial at the facility, posted a disturbing video on Facebook. The footage showed at least ten bodies stored in unrefrigerated rooms, some wrapped in plastic, others left uncovered on tables, and all without proper air conditioning. Construction work was visibly ongoing, and doors were left open to the outside, exposing the deceased to unsanitary conditions.
McGruder’s sister, Tamara McGruder, told local media she found her mother’s body with gnats on her face, visibly shaken by the lack of dignity shown to their loved one. “It was horrific,” she said. “No one should have to see their mother in those conditions.”
While filming the facility to document the scene, David McGruder was confronted by a funeral home employee. The altercation escalated, and McGruder was stabbed in the stomach. He later transported himself to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The employee claimed self-defense, and as of now, no charges have been filed by the Harris County District Attorney.
The Houston Police Department and the Texas Funeral Service Commission (TFSC) have both launched investigations into the matter. TFSC Director Scott Bingaman confirmed that while temporary holding of bodies is common, the conditions seen at Richardson Mortuary are not acceptable. “There’s a line between temporary storage and neglect,” Bingaman said. “That line appears to have been crossed.”
Records reveal that the TFSC has received 14 complaints against Richardson Mortuary in the past decade. The status and outcomes of those complaints remain unclear. The facility, located on Brookfield Drive, had reportedly been damaged during Hurricane Beryl, and construction was underway to repair the roof. However, critics argue that no excuse justifies the condition in which the deceased were stored.
The owner of the mortuary, Michael Bell, is currently hospitalized after suffering a heart attack in February. In response to the incident, Bell has agreed to allow other local funeral homes to recover and properly handle the bodies.
This incident has shocked the community and raised serious questions about oversight and accountability within the funeral industry. Families affected by the events are demanding justice and urging others to closely monitor how their loved ones are cared for during burial arrangements.
As the investigation continues, the future of Richardson Mortuary remains uncertain, with public trust hanging in the balance.
Attempts to reach Richardson Mortuary for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
Warning: This video shows deceased individuals.