News Summary
Shreveport police responded to a report of an embalmed infant found at Alsco Uniforms. Initially mistaken for a doll, further investigation revealed the remains belonged to a small child, mistakenly transported after an uncremated funeral service. Authorities are examining the case for negligence and the funeral home’s practices, as it has faced complaints in the past.
Shreveport – An embalmed infant was found on the night of May 28 at Alsco Uniforms, a dry cleaning service in Shreveport, Louisiana. Initial reports indicated that employees discovered what appeared to be a mummified infant wrapped in a shipment of linens. Shreveport police were called to the scene around 9 p.m. and, at first, mistook the remains for a doll. However, further examination revealed that the remains belonged to a small child.
The police investigation established that the infant had died on May 3 and was originally scheduled for cremation at Golden Gate Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas, on May 17. Evidence suggests that the remains were mistakenly transported alongside soiled laundry from the funeral home to the dry cleaning service in Shreveport.
Detectives noted a strong odor of formaldehyde and observed signs of decomposition, which led them to conclude that the infant had been embalmed prior to its transportation. The child was found wearing clothing with the initials “K.M.” Authorities do not currently suspect foul play; however, they are examining the situation for potential negligence in the handling of the remains.
The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office has since taken custody of the infant’s remains and is working on returning the child to the family. The Texas Funeral Service Commission has been alerted and is investigating the handling of the remains by Golden Gate Funeral Home. This facility has a notable history of complaints regarding their practices, including ongoing investigations related to the mishandling of bodies. Just last year, in January 2022, the funeral home faced fourteen lawsuits for similar issues.
The Texas Funeral Service Commission has indicated that appropriate enforcement actions will follow if violations are substantiated. Meanwhile, the Shreveport Police Chief expressed condolences to the family of the deceased child, calling the discovery a deeply distressing situation.
This incident is an unusual case for Shreveport law enforcement, which typically addresses more commonplace crime scenes. The investigation into how this tragic oversight occurred is ongoing, and updates are expected as authorities untangle the details surrounding the baby’s untimely mishandling.
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Additional Resources
- NBC News: Stillborn Infant Found in Shreveport
- Wikipedia: Stillbirth
- KTAL News: Embalmed Baby Found
- Google Search: Embalmed Baby Found in Shreveport
- WFAA: Remains of Stillborn Child Found
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Funeral
- KTBS: Body of Infant Found Linked to Funeral Home
- Google News: Funeral Home Mismanagement
- My High Plains: Sha’Carri Richardson Ends First Olympics
- Google Scholar: Funeral Service Investigation
- NBC DFW: Local News
- Bing Search: Shreveport Criminal Investigation
