ISP hands Heinz Funeral Home investigation to State’s Attorney

CARLINVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois State Police wrapped up their investigation to Heinz Funeral Home in Carlinville and handed it over to the Macoupin County State’s Attorney.

State’s Attorney Jordan Garrison told WCIA Friday that his office is reviewing the findings to determine if he should file charges.

In September 2023, Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon announced his office was opening an investigation into Heinz Funeral Home/Family Care Cremations in Carlinville after dozens of families were given the wrong cremains. August Heinz, the funeral director for Heinz, has since had his license for embalming and funeral directing revoked by the state.

The State’s Attorney said his office is reviewing the documents from the state agency, but have not finalized their conclusion for the investigation.

“My office will determine whether or not charges can go forward, or if we need more investigation,” Garrison said. “One of those two things can happen with this yet.”

State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) pushed for a bill to require chain of custody documentation of human remains at funeral homes to prevent more families getting the wrong cremains. The bill passed unanimously and was signed into law by the governor last week.

“The change in state law was specifically targeted to address these alleged behaviors,” Garrison said. “If that law were in effect, if something similar were to happen with someone else, then yes, it would most likely make prosecution a simpler task.”

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