State commission expands probe of Dallas funeral home after infant remains found in Louisiana
The Texas Funeral Service Commission has expanded its investigation into a Dallas funeral home after the remains of a one-day-old stillborn child were discovered earlier this week at a linen service facility in Louisiana, the state agency said Thursday.
According to police, the remains belonged to an infant who was stillborn in Dallas on May 3. The child's funeral service was held at Golden Gate Funeral Home & Crematory on May 17 and was scheduled for cremation.
Police said the infant's remains were mistakenly transported with soiled linens to the Alsco Uniforms facility in Shreveport, about 190 miles east of Dallas.
The Shreveport Police Department said officers responded around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday to a report of a body found at the Alsco Uniforms building.
Alsco employees initially believed they had found a doll wrapped in linens before realizing it was the body of a small child, police said.
"This is a deeply distressing situation," Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. "Our thoughts are with the family of the child as this investigation unfolds."
Police said no foul play is suspected, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Commission broadens existing investigation
The TFSC had already launched an administrative investigation into Golden Gate Funeral Home over separate allegations. The new complaint has now broadened the scope of that investigation, the commission said in a news release.
"Every decedent is entitled to a respectful and lawful disposition," TFSC Executive Director Scott Bingaman said. "Every Texan deserves both protection from predatory practices and the ability to voice concerns about the services they receive.
"This case has created unnecessary and deeply distressing obstacles for a grieving family due to alleged negligence. The commission is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to determine whether the child's remains were mishandled. If violations are substantiated, appropriate enforcement actions will be taken."
The commission said it had previously disciplined the Dallas funeral home and is now reassessing the facility's compliance history.
Potential enforcement actions ahead
The agency said it may pursue enforcement actions under the Texas Health and Safety Code and Texas Occupations Code.
Anyone with relevant information regarding the case is urged to contact the TFSC via email at legal@tfsc.texas.gov or by phone at (512) 936-2474.
