Stillborn Infant’s Remains Found in Louisiana Laundry Facility After Dallas Funeral Home Error
Investigation underway as Texas regulators examine Golden Gate Funeral Home practices
A shocking discovery at a Shreveport, Louisiana laundry facility has exposed serious questions about funeral home practices after the embalmed remains of a stillborn infant from Dallas were found wrapped in linens that should have contained only dirty laundry.
The Discovery in Shreveport
Just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Shreveport police were called to Alsco Uniforms on Hollywood Avenue after employees reported finding what appeared to be a mummified infant wrapped in laundry. “It was a very disturbing scene,” said Cpl. Chris Bordelon. “Officers found what was a small infant, what was described as mummified.”
The discovery left employees and investigators shaken. “The detective on scene even told me it smelled strongly of formaldehyde, which is something that’s not typical of any of our crime scenes,” Bordelon said.
Timeline of Events
According to police investigations, the tragic sequence of events unfolded as follows:
- May 3: The child was stillborn in Dallas
- May 17: A funeral service was held at Golden Gate Funeral Home in Dallas
- After May 17: The infant was scheduled for cremation but was instead mistakenly included with soiled linens
- Tuesday evening: The remains were discovered at the Alsco Uniforms facility in Shreveport
Police said the child died on May 3 and was scheduled to be cremated following a funeral service on May 17, but the body instead ended up in a shipment of laundry bound for Shreveport.
The Investigation Begins
Detectives determined the linens came from Golden Gate Funeral Home in Dallas. “It was a very bizarre set of circumstances,” Bordelon said. “Our violent crimes team began their investigation and were able to track down the load of linens.”
The baby was found wearing clothing embroidered with the initials “K.M.,” the only identity police have officially confirmed.
While no foul play is suspected, investigators believe the incident represents clear negligence. “This clearly is some type of act of negligence, whether it be on the part of a cleaning service for the funeral home or the funeral home itself,” Bordelon said.
Regulatory Response
The Texas Funeral Service Commission has been notified and has opened an investigation. Scott Bingaman, the Executive Director of the Texas Funeral Services Commission (TFSC), told WFAA that it indeed was notified by authorities in Shreveport and has since opened up a complaint surrounding Golden Gate.
Significantly, it also told WFAA that before Thursday, it was already actively investigating the funeral home stemming from separate complaints.
The commission issued a statement saying: “This case has created unnecessary and deeply distressing obstacles for a grieving family due to alleged negligence. The Commission is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to determine whether the child’s remains were mishandled. If violations are substantiated, appropriate enforcement actions will be taken.”
History of Complaints
This incident appears to be part of a troubling pattern. Over recent years, families have laid disturbing allegations at the doors of Golden Gate, whether it be in the media or a lawsuit.
Company Responses
Alsco Uniforms, the laundry facility where the discovery was made, released a statement: “A deceased infant was tragically discovered by one of our employees in a linen hamper received from a customer. Out of respect for the ongoing investigation, we are not disclosing further details at this time. We are fully cooperating with local authorities and remain committed to the safety of our team, the integrity of our uniform and linen services, and full transparency as required throughout this process.”
Golden Gate Funeral Home declined to comment when contacted by news outlets.
Legal Implications
“There are laws when it comes to discarding of bodies, and the funeral home and or any individuals involved could be subject to those laws,” Bordelon said.
The investigation continues across state lines, with authorities in both Texas and Louisiana working to determine exactly how this tragic error occurred.
Impact on the Family
“This is an unfortunate set of circumstances that no family should have to go through,” Bordelon said. “We don’t come across finding children that didn’t die in Louisiana in Louisiana.”
The remains are now in the custody of the Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office, which is coordinating to return the child to the family in Dallas.
Moving Forward
This case highlights the critical importance of proper procedures and oversight in funeral service operations. The ongoing investigations by both law enforcement and the Texas Funeral Service Commission will hopefully provide answers to the grieving family and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
If your family has been affected by funeral home negligence or misconduct, experienced legal representation may be necessary to protect your rights and seek accountability. At Traction Law Group, we focus on cases involving funeral home negligence and understand the sensitive nature of these matters. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation.
News Sources
- Stillborn infant from Dallas found in shipment of dirty linens sent to Shreveport – NBC DFW
- Stillborn infant from Dallas found in Shreveport laundry shipment – NBC News
- Embalmed infant found by Shreveport dry cleaners – KTSM
This article is based on publicly reported information. The investigation is ongoing, and additional details may emerge as authorities continue their work.
