AUSTIN, TX – An Austin mortuary worker is facing serious legal trouble after being accused of conducting unauthorized experiments on corpses. Adeline Non Ben Bowie, employed at Capital Mortuary Services, has been charged with corpse abuse and falsifying government documents.
The allegations surfaced after a former employee of the mortuary filed a complaint with the Texas Funeral Services Commission. The complaint led to an investigation revealing that Bowie allegedly used body parts to study different embalming fluid effects, potentially forging up to 130 death certificates in the process.
The Texas Funeral Service Commission responded by issuing a cease-and-desist order to the mortuary, citing the lack of proper licensing for such experiments. They stressed that using human bodies for research without authorization is prohibited unless performed by recognized educational institutions.
Meant to Market, a medical training facility in South Austin, had engaged Capital Mortuary for specific services and was reportedly aware of Bowie’s actions. However, the facility denied any direct involvement in the experimental testing.
Bowie defended her actions by claiming she had received permission from Meant to Market and had kept them updated on her findings. Despite her claims, the Texas Funeral Service Commission confirmed that Capital Mortuary was not licensed to conduct these activities.
Bowie’s attorney has called the situation complex, indicating that more details may surface as the case progresses. Bowie has been released on bond while awaiting further legal proceedings.
Investigators are also examining Meant to Market’s role, seeking evidence of communications through a search warrant for electronic devices. This case follows a recent incident involving a former Harvard Medical School morgue manager who admitted to selling body parts from donated cadavers.