Funeral home cremates wrong baby; license pulled

COLUMBUS, Ohio - An Ohio funeral home that cremated the wrong child's body due to a morgue mix-up has had its license suspended for six months.

The body of 14-month-old Jaylen Talley last year was mistakenly released to the Marlan J. Gary Funeral Home. It was supposed to handle the body of another boy, a 22-day-old infant whose family wanted cremation.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors this week not only suspended the funeral home's license but also yanked the funeral director's license of owner Marlan J. Gary for six months.

"Cremation is irreversible, so it is vitally important that every precaution and safeguard be taken to ensure accuracy," Marc Myers, the hearing officer, reported to the board. "The funeral director cannot simply rely on another, be it a driver or the coroner's office, to 'get it right.'"

Cremation is against the religious beliefs of Talley's parents, according to the Dispatch.

Gary's attorney says the punishment is too harsh. He says his client hasn't decided whether to appeal.