A North Austin mortuary employee, Adeline Ngan-Binh Bui, is facing felony charges for allegedly experimenting on corpses and fraudulently obtaining death certificates. Bui is charged with one count of abuse of a corpse and five counts of tampering with governmental records. The incidents date back to at least August 2022, with allegations of Bui initiating and obtaining death certificates without consent, as well as experimenting on severed anatomical structures, such as injecting formaldehyde into the arms of a deceased person.
A former embalmer at Capital Mortuary Services reported to the Texas Funeral Service Commission (TFSC) that Bui had fraudulently obtained death certificates under his name and license number and was conducting experiments on separated limbs. A cease-and-desist letter was issued to the mortuary in April, citing failures to meet building, health, and safety codes. The Austin Police Department received eight death certificates allegedly signed by the former embalmer via electronic signature, despite not being employed as a funeral director at the mortuary.
Bui allegedly communicated with a former employee about a fraudulent certificate in December 2023, including screenshots of severed and decomposing arms, referring to them as part of an experiment. TFSC investigators reported that Bui allowed the severed body parts to be placed in the crematory retort for cremation. Bui’s legal team emphasized the importance of the presumption of innocence and a fair evaluation of evidence, urging against sensationalizing the case. Capital Mortuary Services has since closed following these allegations and charges against Bui.
In response to the allegations, Bui’s legal team emphasized the importance of carefully evaluating the evidence and facts surrounding the case, as well as ensuring the presumption of innocence and due process for their client. They noted that the complexities of the case should not be sensationalized and that they remain fully committed to defending and advocating for Bui’s fairness throughout the legal process. The case involving Bui’s alleged actions at the mortuary, including unauthorized experimentation on corpses and fraudulent obtaining of death certificates, has raised concerns and led to the closure of Capital Mortuary Services.
The allegations against Bui include fraudulently obtaining death certificates, conducting unauthorized experiments on separated anatomical structures, and allowing severed body parts to be cremated. The former embalmer at Capital Mortuary Services reported these actions to TFSC, triggering investigations by the Austin Police Department. Bui’s communication regarding the alleged experiments and involvement of former employees in fraudulent activities has led to her facing multiple felony charges, including abuse of a corpse and tampering with governmental records. Capital Mortuary Services has come under scrutiny for failing to meet building, health, and safety codes, resulting in a cease-and-desist order and closure of the facility.
The issues at Capital Mortuary Services, which led to the closure of the facility and charges against Bui, highlight the importance of upholding standards and regulations in the funeral service industry. The case has raised concerns about the potential for exploitation of deceased individuals and the need for strict oversight and compliance with laws and regulations governing mortuaries. As the legal process unfolds, Bui’s legal team is committed to defending her rights and ensuring that she receives a fair trial and due process. The impact of these allegations on the families of the deceased individuals involved underscores the need for accountability and transparency in the funeral service industry.
