INDIANAPOLIS — A northeast side funeral home has been given the green light to reopen.
The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency temporarily shut Rawls Mortuary down in August after a failed inspection. The Funeral Director, Benjamin's Rawls license was also suspended.
According to court documents, on July 19, Indiana Professional Licensing Agency inspected the property and found:
- Rawls' funeral director license was not on display
- The embalming room's sink was cluttered and inaccessible
- The trocar was unsanitary, and the area used to disinfect the trocar-contained items were not accessible and his certificate of authority expired on March 1.
As a result, the mortuary failed inspection.
The state claimed the funeral home was a danger to public health and safety.
The inspection followed accusations that the funeral home did not embalm 32-year-old, Tymme Stewart-Dorris.
Court documents allege Benjamin Rawls of Rawls Mortuary and Funeral failed to properly care for a Stewart-Dorris prior to leaving town for a weekend earlier this year.
Vicki Stewart says her daughter's body deteriorated and an open-casket funeral wasn't an option.
Rawls Mortuary denied the embalming claims.
Thursday, the IPLA reinstated both licenses.
"Horrible. I feel like our justice system is not a justice system. I am very, very hurt about that," said Vicki Stewart.
Stewart, says this isn't the outcome she was hoping for.
"I'm reliving my whole nightmare. I mean everything is being brought back out. Sleepless nights again, depression, the whole nine yards," said Stewart. "What he did was wrong. No expression, no gratitude, no I'm sorry. has been said. False allegations about my daughter and her health and so on," said Stewart.
WRTV has been in contact with the funeral home director. Their attorney will be sending a statement, according to him.
-
WNBA All-Star Game tickets sell within 5 hours; Friday events still available
The excitement is building for the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, as the allocated tickets for the main event were completely purchased within 5 hours.
Tyrese Haliburton scolds father for postgame fracas after Pacers eliminate Bucks
Haliburton says he had a talk with his dad and doesn't agree with what happened. He adds, “I don't think my pops was in the right at all.”
Indiana Fever to kick off preseason with ‘pack the plaza’ diaper donation drive
The Indiana Fever are excited to tip off their preseason this Saturday, but before the game begins, fans are invited to help local families in need through a special diaper and wipes donation drive.
State funded oxygen therapy program for veterans ends April 30
A state program meant to help struggling Indiana veterans will end on April 30, WRTV Investigates has learned.
