Plaintiffs’ Legal Team to Share Developments in Lawsuit Over Alleged Widespread Negligence, Gross Mishandling of Human Remains
[Indianapolis, IN – May 21, 2025] Attorneys representing plaintiffs in the civil lawsuit against Heights Crematory in Chicago Heights, Illinois and Crown Cremation Services in Crown Point, Indiana, will hold a press conference [view/download] to announce new information in the matter. Among the developments are new cases on behalf of Illinois and Indiana families who entrusted their loved ones’ remains to these crematories.
In April, a lawsuit was filed by Munster, Indiana widow Darla Smith on behalf of her husband, Darryl. Attorneys for the Smith’s immediately received an overwhelming response from the public. Dozens upon dozens of family members came forward, expressing serious concerns that the remains of their loved ones may also have been mishandled by one or both of the independently operated crematories.
“In the weeks since Darla Smith’s lawsuit was filed, we’ve experienced a tidal wave of calls and emails from distressed families,” said attorney Gabriel Hawkins. “It appears that reports in the media thus far are not isolated incidents for periods of a few weeks, but again appear part of a much broader and disturbing pattern.”
The plaintiffs’ legal team is actively investigating these claims, interviewing affected families and following up on tips from potential new whistleblowers. During the press conference, attorneys will share details regarding scores of new cases filed, and the developing investigation.
The press conference will be held at 10:30 a.m. CST on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 150 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606 (corner of Wacker and Randolph), in the Wacker Conference Room, Lower Level Lounge. Parking is available in the building.
There will be a time for questions following Plaintiffs’ statement. Plaintiffs’ attorneys present will be: Gabriel Hawkins, CohenMalad, LLP, Indiana; Scott Yonover, co-counsel, Indiana and Illinois; and Karen Enright, co-counsel, Costello, Gilbreth & Murphy, Ltd, Illinois.
“We are holding this event to bring public attention to the scope of the misconduct, share what we have learned from grieving families, and provide updates on where this case is heading next,” said attorney Scott Yonover.
Immediately following the press conference, both the newly-filed complaints and pictures of the parties named in these lawsuits will be available for download here, with permission to share courtesy of their families.
Case Background
On April 29, 2025, Darla Smith filed suit in Lake County Commercial Court against Crown Cremation Service of Indiana, and Heights Crematory of Illinois. The complaint alleges negligence, breach of contract, and gross mishandling of her late husband Darryl Smith’s remains. According to the lawsuit, Darryl’s body was transported across state lines to Heights Crematory, where it was left unrefrigerated for 19 days, exposed to the elements, and ultimately cremated under unsanitary and illegal conditions.
Media reports from CBS News Chicago in March 2025 documented bodies being improperly stored, some in an open trailer and others exposed inside the facility, in violation of both state and federal laws. Following those revelations, authorities launched criminal and regulatory investigations, and Heights Crematory has since been shut down. [Read the CBS 2 March 3, 2025 and March 17, 2025 investigative reports.]
Contact for Potentially Affected Families
The legal team in this case continues to urge families with concerns or information about the handling of their loved ones’ remains by Heights or Crown to come forward. Confidential consultations are available by calling 317.636.6481 or visiting cohenmalad.com.
Media Inquiries
Please contact Barbara Bates, Director of Marketing, 317.472.6744
View/download the New Complaints and Pictures of Affected Individuals
View/download the Press Conference video
