Houston funeral home directors accused of abusing corpses after 13 decomposing bodies found: Docs

Tuesday, October 14, 2025
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The directors of a southwest Houston funeral home shut down in April are now charged with multiple counts of abuse of a corpse.

Police began investigating Richardson Mortuary after a video began circulating showing conditions inside the business.

RELATED: Houston funeral home ordered to cease all operations after 10 bodies found without air conditioning

Investigators describe the building as "open to the elements" and "very dirty," noting there was no working air conditioning.

Records show warrants were issued last week for ex-spouses and business partners Michael Richardson and Gayle Bell, neither of whom is in custody.



In a charging document, prosecutors write that 13 bodies were found in various states of decomposition, and one was "largely liquified."

Also found in "inhumane conditions" were 70 cremations.

Tamara McGruder's brother is the one who took the viral video. He and his sister had gone to the funeral home to check on the uncle's and mother's bodies.

Police say Richardson Mortuary employee Andre Thomas was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly stabbing McGruder's brother when he refused to leave.

The McGruders have since filed a lawsuit against the business seeking at least $1 million.



The business remains shuttered after being closed by state regulators in April.
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