Richardson Mortuary Owner Appears in Court on Abuse of Corpse Charges

Legal Proceedings for Michael Richardson

• ⚖️ Michael Richardson, owner of Richardson Mortuary, appeared in court facing three felony counts of abuse of corpse.
• 📌 He is accused of improperly storing at least a dozen bodies in unsanitary, unrefrigerated conditions at his southwest Houston business.
• 🏥 Richardson's attorney stated he has been hospitalized since December and was not in day-to-day control of the mortuary at the time of the incident.

Co-Defendant and Investigation Details

• 🤝 Richardson's ex-wife and codefendant, Gail Bell, is also charged, accused of improperly storing bodies and cremated remains.
• 🚧 Court records indicate Bell claimed she was not allowed in the building due to ongoing construction.
• 🚨 The case came to light in April when siblings Devon and Tamara McGrder discovered their mother's body in disturbing condition after tipping off 911.

Impact on Families and Next Steps

• 💔 The McGrder siblings have filed a civil lawsuit and are seeking justice for all impacted families.
• 💸 Richardson's bond was set at $7,500, and he is due back in court in December.
• ⚠️ A warrant is currently out for the arrest of Gail Bell.