50 Bodies Found Stacked At Another Facility Owned By Man Behind Shuttered Chicago Heights Crematory

CHICAGO — More than a year after 100 bodies were found piled on top of each other at a Chicago Heights cremation facility, additional decomposing bodies were discovered at a different facility operated by the same man, business records show.

More than 50 deceased people were found improperly stored and in various stages of decomposition at South Chicago Chapel, located at 2939 E. 95th St.

In February 2025, authorities were alerted that Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights had bodies piled on top of each other, not in proper containers, the office said in a release. Auditors visiting the facility confirmed it was storing bodies in inoperable refrigerated trailers and coolers and/or bodies were stacked in improper containers. The facility was forced to close.

Business licenses show both facilities are owned by the same person, Dennis R. O'Neill of Chicago.

Heights Crematory was incorporated in 2005, and involuntarily dissolved in December 2025. South Chicago Chapel was incorporated in 2022, and is currently listed as active.

Identification Process Could Take Days

Cook County Medical Examiner staff are assessing the condition of the remains found at the South Chicago Chapel, while searching for documents that could establish their identities, including death certificates.

Officials said the process could take several days as investigators work to ensure the remains are properly handled.

The Medical Examiner's Office said it will work with authorities to identify the deceased as quickly as possible and notify their families.

No additional information was immediately released about how long the remains had been at the funeral home, who operated the business or what led authorities to discover the conditions.

A basic description found on Google lists the business as a funeral home that "provides compassionate funeral services, including cremation & burial options."

Its website is offline.

Reform for the Industry

State Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) in July announced that legislation he spearheaded will strengthen the comptroller’s investigative ability over crematories, while also clarifying standards for storage and cremation to restore dignity and confidence for families, DeLuca's office said in a release Tuesday.

“Few things are as important as the dignified handling of the remains of our loved ones, and I want affected families to know that we are thinking of them,” DeLuca said. “They should have never had to go through that experience. I want to thank Comptroller Susana Mendoza and local advocates for their work to help secure these new safeguards, this is needed legislation that will better empower the state to stop bad actors.”

DeLuca led the push for the legislation following the Illinois Office of Comptroller's closure of the Heights Crematory last year.

"Our staff confronted crematory personnel with evidence of an undisclosed refrigerated trailer on the property," according to a release from the IOC. "Heights management admitted the existence of an additional trailer they had concealed containing 19 bodies from Indiana."

Comptroller Susana Mendoza immediately shut down the Chicago Heights facility and worked with staff to properly store bodies and complete the required paperwork so that the bodies could be cremated.

Part of the problem had been funeral directors dropping off bodies not in proper containers and without all necessary documentation, leading to delays in cremations, Mendoza's office said at the time. But it said the crematory had a responsibility to demand all proper paperwork from the funeral directors and that bodies are delivered in proper containers, which Heights did not always do.

“I am appalled, disgusted, and deeply saddened by the disrespect Heights Crematory showed to the remains of the deceased, and we are working swiftly to strip the facility of its license,” Comptroller Mendoza said at the time. “No family should have to wonder what happened to their loved one when they pass or learn a deceased family or friend wasn’t treated with the utmost respect and dignity they deserve.”.

DeLuca’s House Bill 4695 updates state law regarding crematories by expanding the comptroller’s regulatory authority, increasing standards and codifying best practices. The measure better enables the comptroller to investigate crematories and take immediate action, granting new disciplinary options that include increased fines in addition to license suspension and revocation.

The proposal clarifies action that should be taken with remains when a crematory’s license is suspended, ensuring county coroners or medical examiners take prompt possession of remains. Crematories are clearly directed to take all reasonable steps to cremate remains within 30 days of receiving them; otherwise, notice and explanation will be required for the comptroller and relevant coroner or medical examiner.

DeLuca’s measure explicitly clarifies that cremated remains must be stored in a place free from exposure to the elements and be responsibly maintained.

Gov. JB Pritzker signed DeLuca’s measure into law last month after it received bipartisan support in the General Assembly.

The measure takes effect Jan. 1, 2027.