More than 50 bodies found improperly stored and decomposing at Chicago funeral home

More than 50 bodies were found improperly stored and decomposing at a Chicago funeral home. 

The home was run by a couple who had previously operated a crematory that was shut down due to a failure to properly handle remains, authorities said Thursday, the Associated Press reported. 

Illinois state officials suspended the license of one of the funeral home's directors for alleging story bodies in unrefrigerated areas and in "deplorable conditions." 

State and local officials notified the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office that bodies were being stored improperly at South Chicago Chapel, the office said. Investigators and forensic pathologists were sent to the home, where remains were found in various states of decomposition, according to officials. 

“Staff is assessing the conditions of the remains, searching for documentation regarding identification of the decedents as well as death certificates. This process could take several days to ensure proper disposition,” the medical examiner’s office said in a statement.