HOUSTON – New court records show prosecutors have dropped charges against one of the owners of a Houston funeral home at the center of a disturbing investigation.
According to documents filed by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, three abuse of a corpse charges against Gayle Bell, co-owner of Richardson Mortuary, have been dismissed.
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In the filing, prosecutors state they “cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt at this time,” but noted the case is subject to being refiled.
The court order goes on to say the motion was presented to a judge and that the case is “dismissed.”
Court records show the funeral home’s other co-owner, Michael Richardson, still faces multiple abuse of a corpse charges. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 28.
Background: Investigation began after disturbing discovery
The criminal case stems from a series of events that began in April 2025, when families arrived at the funeral home and made a shocking discovery.
Relatives who came to make arrangements, ahead of a funeral service, for their loved ones reported finding bodies inside the mortuary in what they described as deplorable conditions.
One woman told KPRC 2 News she saw her mother’s body with gnats already present. Others described non-refrigerated rooms, bodies partially covered, and construction debris scattered throughout the building.
Video shared with KPRC 2 News appeared to show multiple bodies inside the facility. Houston police later said at least 10 bodies were visible when officers responded.
The situation escalated during a confrontation at the funeral home, when a man recording video was stabbed by an employee. Police said he suffered minor injuries.
State, police investigations followed
After families raised alarms, state regulators and law enforcement launched investigations.
Inspectors with the Texas Funeral Service Commission later confirmed they found multiple bodies in “disturbing conditions” inside the Brookfield Drive facility.
The agency suspended the mortuary’s license and issued a cease-and-desist order, citing violations of building, health, and safety codes, along with alleged unprofessional and deceptive conduct.
The Houston Police Department also opened an investigation into whether the remains were improperly stored or mishandled.
Following the shutdown, several bodies were transferred to another funeral home so families could complete services for their loved ones.
The case sparked outrage across the Houston area and raised broader concerns about oversight in the funeral industry.
While charges against Bell have now been dropped, for now, the case against Richardson remains ongoing.