A North Philadelphia family has filed a lawsuit against two funeral homes, alleging they were handed an unmarked box containing their deceased son’s brain—an incident that has left them devastated and seeking justice.
The Lawsuit:
Lawrence and Abbey Butler are suing Nix & Nix Funeral Homes in Philadelphia and Southern Cremations & Funerals in Georgia after the shocking discovery involving the remains of their son, Timothy Garlington.
The Discovery:
According to the lawsuit, the Butlers were given an unmarked box along with Timothy’s personal belongings. Suspicious of an unusual odor and leaking fluid, they opened the box—only to find what they later learned was their son’s brain.
Allegations of Negligence:
The lawsuit accuses the funeral homes of gross negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress, claiming the family has received neither an explanation nor an apology from either business.
Funeral Homes Respond:
Nix & Nix Funeral Homes released a statement claiming they were not responsible for the box’s contents and had been cleared by a state investigation. However, the Pennsylvania Department of State could not confirm that such an investigation took place.
Southern Cremations & Funerals has not issued a public comment on the matter.
Seeking Accountability:
The Butler family says they are pursuing the lawsuit not only for justice for Timothy but also to ensure no other family experiences the same trauma.
“This is about accountability and dignity,” said a spokesperson for the family’s legal team. “No family should have to go through what the Butlers endured.”
The case has sparked outrage and renewed calls for stronger oversight of funeral home practices across state lines.
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