Overview
- Michael Richardson, 72, and Gayle Bell, 63, each face three counts under Texas Penal Code 42.08 following a months-long investigation.
- Warrants were issued last week and neither defendant is in custody, with initial court appearances expected later this month.
- Records detail bodies kept in a dirty construction zone without working air conditioning, including one described as largely liquified.
- The Texas Funeral Service Commission ordered the mortuary closed in April, and authorities documented inhumane storage of cremated remains with police previously seizing dozens of sets.
- The case was triggered by a family’s viral video, and a mortuary employee was separately charged with aggravated assault after a stabbing reported that day.