A year after disturbing videos from inside a Houston-area mortuary prompted criminal charges and public outcry, several of those charges have now been dropped, though the legal battle is far from over.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026 12:13AMA year after disturbing videos from inside a Houston-area mortuary prompted criminal charges and public outcry, several of those charges have now been dropped, though the legal battle is far from over.
Charges dropped against co-owner of funeral home accused of abusing corpses, records show The story began when siblings Davon and Tamara McGruder recorded a video inside the Richardson Mortuary in April of 2025, raising concerns about how bodies were being handled. At the time, Houston police indicated the footage could lead to serious charges, including abuse of a corpse. Prosecutors ultimately charged the mortuary's two owners, Gayle Bell and Michael Richardson, with multiple counts of abuse of a corpse.
Investigators alleged bodies were being kept in unacceptable conditions, including in facilities without air conditioning. The situation escalated when a security guard at the mortuary allegedly stabbed Davon McGruder while he was recording video. The guard was later charged with the stabbing.
However, months later, prosecutors dropped the stabbing charge, citing in court documents that they could not prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Last week, charges against co-owner Gayle Bell were also dismissed for the same reason. Prosecutors noted that those charges could potentially be refiled in the future. The Harris County District Attorney's Office would not comment.
Bell's attorney declined to comment. Michael Richardson remains the only person still facing criminal charges. His attorney said it is unclear why his client is the sole remaining defendant.
Meanwhile, the McGruders have filed a civil suit against the mortuary owners. That suit is still pending.
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