Hull Funeral Home Investigation: CPS Reviews Evidence for Potential Charges
Humberside Police have submitted evidence from a comprehensive 10-month investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors for review by the Crown Prosecution Service.
Humberside Police have provided the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) with a detailed file of more than 13,000 exhibits as part of their investigation into Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull.
The investigation, described as 'meticulous,' was initiated following a concern over the care of the deceased, leading to the discovery of 35 bodies and suspected human ashes at the funeral home in March 2024.
Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin, who is overseeing the investigation, stated that the decision marks a significant development for the families involved.
Specialists have kept the families informed, offering support throughout the extended process.
McLoughlin emphasized the inquiry's complexity and praised the 'unwavering patience and cooperation' from those affected, highlighting their crucial role in advancing the investigation.
Two individuals, a 46-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman, remain on conditional police bail as the CPS evaluates whether formal charges will be brought.
The man, apprehended in March of the previous year, was arrested under allegations related to the prevention of lawful burial, fraud, and theft, amongst other charges.
The woman was arrested in July, suspected of money laundering.
An additional woman initially detained has been released from bail and cleared as a suspect.
The investigation has impacted numerous families within Hull and East Yorkshire, with many questioning the authenticity of the ashes they were given.
Earlier assessments by the police confirmed the impossibility of identifying human ashes using DNA profiling, adding to the families' distress.
Emma Hardy, Member of Parliament for Hull West and Haltemprice, commended the police for their diligence in the case and expressed empathy towards the affected families, acknowledging the resilience they have demonstrated.
Julie Butcher from the charity Victim Support assured ongoing assistance for those in need, with resources available via a dedicated helpline.
Humberside Police have stated they are committed to keeping the families central to the investigation and will provide further updates as the case progresses.
A dedicated phone line remains operational to assist those impacted by the investigation.
The investigation, described as 'meticulous,' was initiated following a concern over the care of the deceased, leading to the discovery of 35 bodies and suspected human ashes at the funeral home in March 2024.
Assistant Chief Constable Thom McLoughlin, who is overseeing the investigation, stated that the decision marks a significant development for the families involved.
Specialists have kept the families informed, offering support throughout the extended process.
McLoughlin emphasized the inquiry's complexity and praised the 'unwavering patience and cooperation' from those affected, highlighting their crucial role in advancing the investigation.
Two individuals, a 46-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman, remain on conditional police bail as the CPS evaluates whether formal charges will be brought.
The man, apprehended in March of the previous year, was arrested under allegations related to the prevention of lawful burial, fraud, and theft, amongst other charges.
The woman was arrested in July, suspected of money laundering.
An additional woman initially detained has been released from bail and cleared as a suspect.
The investigation has impacted numerous families within Hull and East Yorkshire, with many questioning the authenticity of the ashes they were given.
Earlier assessments by the police confirmed the impossibility of identifying human ashes using DNA profiling, adding to the families' distress.
Emma Hardy, Member of Parliament for Hull West and Haltemprice, commended the police for their diligence in the case and expressed empathy towards the affected families, acknowledging the resilience they have demonstrated.
Julie Butcher from the charity Victim Support assured ongoing assistance for those in need, with resources available via a dedicated helpline.
Humberside Police have stated they are committed to keeping the families central to the investigation and will provide further updates as the case progresses.
A dedicated phone line remains operational to assist those impacted by the investigation.
