Orlando, FL (February 4, 2024) – A Florida funeral home director faces charges of grand theft and improper handling of human remains after allegedly abandoning bodies and handing out questionable cremains.
Elliott Maurice Graham, 59, was arrested Friday in Orlando and awaits transfer back to Jacksonville. State investigators found three bodies inside his Marion Graham Mortuaries on Thursday, including one belonging to Pauline Durden.
Durden’s family had received cremains they believed were hers six months ago. “It was heartbreaking,” said her granddaughter Nairobia Durden. “It reopened the wound.” Authorities are testing the ashes to determine their origin.
Other families reported concerns about Graham’s practices. Takenya Sutton and Danielle Streater suspect their cousin was improperly embalmed, citing a “decomposing body” odor at the funeral. Taslesa Ware alleges Graham refused an open casket viewing for her father, citing non-existent unviewable conditions, and delayed burial due to failing to contact the cemetery.
The investigation remains ongoing, and Graham awaits further legal proceedings.
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