Family Sues After Son’s Body Unidentified for Two Years | Chicago News

A family is suing Cook County after their son Jermaine Richards’ body sat unidentified in the morgue for nearly two years—despite a missing persons report filed in January 2024. The medical examiner’s office allegedly failed to notify them, forcing the father to search for his son unaware he was already deceased and decomposing. DNA tests were inconclusive, and it took FBI intervention to finally identify him via a tattoo photo. The family says they were the ones who ultimately triggered the identification process. This case is part of a larger pattern: the I-Team uncovered five similar incidents where families were left in the dark for months. The family seeks compensation for the devastating emotional toll, while Cook County moves to dismiss the suit. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/27918f5e6d87750c