April 23, 2025 — Adeline Ngan-Binh Bui, 50, owner and director of Capital Mortuary Services in North Austin, has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including abuse of a corpse and tampering with governmental records. The charges stem from allegations that she conducted unauthorized experiments on human remains and fraudulently obtained death certificates.
Allegations and Investigation
The investigation began after a former employee reported that Bui had fraudulently obtained at least ten death certificates using his name and license number without consent. Further examination revealed that Bui had used the employee’s identity to complete or amend 128 death certificates.
According to court documents, Bui allegedly dismembered corpses to perform experiments involving the injection of embalming fluids into severed limbs, observing the effects over time. These activities were reportedly documented in a message thread titled “Freedom Art Experiment,” which included photographs of the experiments.
On April 10, the Texas Funeral Service Commission (TFSC) issued a cease-and-desist order to Capital Mortuary Services, citing violations of building, health, and safety codes. The TFSC also noted that the mortuary was not authorized to conduct anatomical experiments, as it had not applied for the required status as a non-transplant anatomical donation program.
Legal Proceedings
Bui turned herself in to the Travis County Jail on April 18. She faces one count of state-jail felony abuse of a corpse and five counts of second-degree felony tampering with governmental records with intent to defraud or harm. Her bond was set at a collective $27,500.
Bui’s attorney, Jessica Hunh, emphasized the importance of due process, stating, “Our criminal justice system is based on the presumption of innocence and a careful, critical evaluation of the evidence, facts, and their sources. This case involves complexities that are not immediately apparent and should not be sensationalized.”
Community Impact
The allegations have raised concerns within the community and among regulatory bodies about the oversight of mortuary practices. The TFSC continues to investigate the extent of the violations and the potential impact on families served by Capital Mortuary Services.
As the legal process unfolds, further details are expected to emerge regarding the scope of the alleged activities and their implications for the funeral industry in Texas.