State officials, morticians, and funeral directors were questioned regarding the scandal at the Heaven Bound Crematory in Charles County during a hearing conducted by The Maryland House Health And Government Operations Committee. The controversial incident, initially reported by 7News in mid-January, involved the discovery of a non-functioning cremation chamber and decomposing bodies stacked in boxes at the facility. Family members expressed outrage over receiving incorrect ashes and discovering that their loved ones had not been cremated.
It was revealed during the hearing that the Maryland Board of Morticians and Funeral Directors, responsible for oversight, had failed to conduct inspections statewide for two years prior to the Heaven Bound incident. The board’s lone investigator was reassigned to office duties during this time, leading to significant lapses in oversight across multiple crematories. Erika Malone, the current board Executive Director, acknowledged a backlog of approximately 300 establishments awaiting inspections when she assumed her role 14 months ago.
Following these revelations, Governor Wes Moore took swift action by removing the top three members of the board, all funeral directors responsible for regulating their industry. Additionally, Moore initiated a comprehensive audit of the board’s operations to address systemic issues and ensure compliance with regulations. As the investigation into the Heaven Bound Crematory scandal continues, efforts are being made to improve oversight and protect the interests of grieving families seeking closure for their departed loved ones.
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