WALDORF, Md. — A Maryland couple is demanding answers after claiming the body of their 2-month-old son — who was supposed to have been cremated months ago — was instead discovered inside the private residence of two crematory operators now under criminal investigation.
Laquanda Brown and Chris Parham said they were shocked to learn their infant son, Coi’seir Parham, had not been cremated as promised. “We’re like … why was he in their home?” Brown told local FOX affiliate WTTG. “Like, what were they trying to do? Like, what were they doing?”
The couple had entrusted Heaven Bound Crematory in Charles County to handle their son’s remains after his death in October. They are now suing the crematory’s operators, Rosa Turner and Brandon Williams, for allegedly mishandling the body and providing the family with incorrect ashes.
State officials sanctioned the crematory last year after finding human remains stored in cardboard boxes and observing other violations. The facility has since been shut down. Despite this, Brown and Parham said they only learned in February that their son had not been cremated.
Parents given wrong ashes before discovery
Two weeks ago, the couple received what they were told were Coi’seir’s ashes. But shortly afterward, they were informed that his body had been located inside the home of Turner and Williams, not the crematory itself, according to WTTG.
Authorities have not confirmed when or how the body was discovered in the residence. A criminal investigation into the incident is now underway.
Neither Turner nor Williams has publicly responded to the allegations. Charges have not yet been filed.
The case has prompted new scrutiny of private crematories in Maryland, especially those previously cited for improper handling of human remains.
Maryland couple says crematory gave them wrong ashes and kept their son’s body hidden in a private home.
