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Chicago Sues South Chicago Chapel Owners Over Building-Code Violations

The city asks a judge to impose daily fines and force repairs, spotlighting inspection failures that let unsafe, unsanitary conditions persist

Overview

  • The City of Chicago filed a lawsuit on Aug. 31, 2026, that names Clark and Johanna Morgan and seeks $11,500 a day until 23 alleged violations at 2939 E. 95th St. are corrected.
  • The court complaint describes overwhelming stench, swarms of flies, numerous rats and 56 decomposing bodies found piled inside the funeral home, calling the site an immense public-health hazard.
  • The Buildings Department complaint lists 23 violations that range from deplorable sanitation and infestations to missing fire alarms, no carbon-monoxide detectors, and unpermitted renovations or second-floor use.
  • The Cook County Medical Examiner has custody of the remains and continues identification and family notifications, with most bodies identified and nine still unconfirmed as of late last week.
  • Families have pressed the city to secure the site and pursue accountability, and the case has reopened scrutiny of split oversight and a four-year inspection gap that critics say allowed the failures to continue and may prompt regulatory reform.