Funeral Home Director Arrested After Authorities Find 18 Decomposing Bodies

Chris Johnson, 39, is facing seventeen counts of abuse of dead body

Funeral director Chris Johnson mugshot.
Chris Johnson. Photo:

Courtesy Coffee County Sheriff's Office

A Georgia funeral home owner was arrested on Sunday, Oct. 27, after authorities allegedly found 18 human bodies in various stages of decomposition while serving an eviction notice at the property.

Authorities said Chris Johnson, 39, is facing seventeen counts of abuse of dead body, according to a Georgia Bureau of Investigation press release.

The bodies were discovered after deputies served the eviction notice at Johnson Funeral Home in Douglas on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Johnson Funeral and Cremation Services in Georgia.
Johnson Funeral and Cremation Services in Georgia.

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“This investigation is active and ongoing,” the GBI said in the press release. “Additional charges are expected.”

A funeral home spokesperson could not be reached for comment.

It is unclear if Johnson has an attorney or if he has entered a plea.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office at 912-384-4227 or the GBI Regional Investigative Office in Douglas at 912-389-4103.

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