HOUSTON, TX – A shocking incident involving a licensed embalmer has left the Houston community in disbelief. Amber Laudermilk is wanted by authorities after being accused of mutilating a corpse at a local funeral home. The allegations have sparked a deeper conversation about ethics and oversight in the funeral service industry.
According to investigators, Laudermilk allegedly used a scalpel to stab a deceased man twice in the groin area and then cut off a part of his anatomy, placing it in his mouth. The incident reportedly occurred after she discovered the man’s criminal history. Laudermilk has since been terminated from her position, and a warrant for her arrest has been issued.
The unsettling case unfolded at Memorial Mortuary, located on Houston’s southwest side. The funeral home’s staff, initially too frightened to report the incident, eventually came forward. The victim, who passed away from pneumonia, was revealed to be a registered sex offender, which might have influenced Laudermilk’s actions.
Harris County Precinct One deputies are leading the investigation. They have revealed that when a colleague noticed the disfigurement, Laudermilk attempted to cover the deceased with a towel. The case has drawn attention to the importance of ethical behavior in the funeral industry.
Jason Altieri, who operates a crematory in Southeast Texas not involved in this incident, emphasized the critical role of ethics in funeral services. He advised families to thoroughly vet funeral homes and feel comfortable asking questions about the cremation process.
The Texas Funeral Service Commission is now involved, with plans to investigate Memorial Mortuary. This case is reportedly the only criminal abuse of a corpse case in Texas over the past two years. The agency is also considering suspending or revoking Laudermilk’s license, which she obtained in 2021.
Families are encouraged to verify the credentials of funeral homes and directors by using the agency’s license lookup tool. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities families face during the difficult time of losing a loved one.
Memorial Mortuary has confirmed that Laudermilk is no longer employed there but declined to provide further details due to the ongoing legal proceedings. The State Funeral Service Commission will also be scrutinizing the funeral home’s business practices to ensure compliance with industry standards.