DETROIT — The Moore family of Detroit is demanding answers after what they describe as a grave error at Hutchinson Funeral Home on East 7 Mile. According to the family, they arrived for a viewing of their 61‑year‑old mother, Kimberly Moore, only to discover that the casket contained the remains of a different woman.
Family says they were shown the wrong body
“We get here and that’s not my momma in the casket,” said one of the Moore children. The family claims the funeral home staff attempted to pass off the other woman’s body as their mother’s, even though they had been told earlier that Kimberly Moore’s remains had already been cremated.
“Where’s my momma?” another relative asked, recalling the confusion when a staff member told them the body was upstairs. The family says they were later informed that the cremation had already taken place, leaving them without a proper burial for their mother.
Police involvement and ongoing investigation
Detroit police responded to the funeral home, blocking the doorway as more family members arrived. Officers are now investigating the alleged mishandling of the remains and the claim that the funeral home attempted to conceal the mistake.
“We know there was an issue. We know there’s a problem, and we want to make it whole,” said family spokesperson Mario Morrow. “We want to make the family feel comfortable with their loved one and make sure that we have some conclusion to this.”
Funeral home’s response
Hutchinson Funeral Home initially declined to comment, later issuing a statement through a public‑relations firm. The statement did not address the specific allegations but expressed a desire to resolve the matter promptly.
The Moore family is also attempting to locate the relatives of the woman whose body they say was mistakenly displayed, hoping to offer an apology and any needed assistance.
Impact on the upcoming funeral
Kimberly Moore’s funeral is scheduled for Saturday. The family is now faced with the difficult task of determining how to proceed amid the confusion and emotional distress caused by the alleged error.
Local residents expressed sympathy for the Moore family, noting that such incidents undermine trust in funeral service providers, which play a vital role in honoring loved ones according to family and faith traditions.
What comes next
Police have not released details about any charges or potential civil actions. The investigation will likely examine funeral home records, staff testimony, and any surveillance footage from the facility.
For families dealing with loss, the Moore case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in funeral services. Community leaders have urged funeral homes to review their protocols to prevent similar tragedies.
As the investigation unfolds, the Moore family hopes for a swift resolution that will allow them to lay their mother to rest with dignity and peace.
Original reporting: Warren | FOX 2 Detroit — read the source article.
