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.
-
IMPD asking community to help locate missing teen
18-year-old Zachary Bean was last seen on Wednesday in the 300 block of N. Jersey Street, police say.
Price of gold hitting all-time highs
The price of gold is up $1,000 from a year ago and more than 30% since the start of the year. Experts say it’s due to the current state of the economy.
Still here, still healing: Through the eyes of survivors and advocates
One year after surviving gun violence, Larissa Smith reflects on her recovery with the support of a groundbreaking hospital-based program that offers therapy, resources, and community connections.
Former IU alumni presidents condemn legislation on board appointments
More than two dozen former alumni association presidents signed the letter expressing their disappointment in a move ending rights to elect members to the IU board of trustees.
