Cremated remains found at abandoned Ga. funeral home
MARIETTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — A disturbing discovery of cremated ashes and personal information scattered throughout an abandoned funeral home has prompted a multi-agency investigation in Cobb County.
On Thursday afternoon, half a dozen state and county agencies searched through the charred remains of the Norman Medford Peden Funeral Home and Crematory in Marietta.
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The investigation was sparked earlier this week after British photographer Ben James posted photos of the building online. His pictures showed urns, bags of human ashes and even human remains left behind in the burned out building.
“There was so many ashes, the most I’ve ever found,” James said. “There were cupboards full of [cremated remains].”
His photos also revealed chemicals, credit card statements and death certificates scattered throughout.
The Norman Medford Peden Funeral Home was badly burned and abandoned after a fire in April.
“The amount of personal information was quite alarming,” James said. “It even had deceased people’s next of kin, phone numbers and addresses.”
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Marietta Police launched an investigation after receiving a tip about the photos. 35 boxes of cremated remains were found within the former funeral home.
Despite receiving backlash for posting the photos online, James defended his actions.
“People were really upset by this and saying that’s so disrespectful,” he said. “I thought, what am I going to do, deliver the ashes through DoorDash?”
James hopes his discovery provides closure to families who had their loved ones cremated inside the funeral funeral home.”
“The building is condemned and due for demolition,” he concluded. “Hopefully, the ashes will go where they need to go.”
An inspector from the Georgia Secretary of State’s office confirmed that their investigation could have criminal implications.
Authorities are now working to families whose loved ones may have been impacted. You can them here.
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