Texas Mortician Accused of Using Human Remains in Unlawful Experiments

AUSTIN, TX — An Austin mortician is accused of injecting formaldehyde into severed heads, arms and spines to observe decomposition — a practice authorities say violated state law.

Adeline Ngan-Binh Bui, 50, owner of Capital Mortuary Services, was arrested April 18 and charged with abuse of a corpse and five counts of tampering with governmental records, according to local media reports. 

The investigation began after a former employee filed a complaint with the Texas Funeral Service Commission, alleging that Bui directed staff to conduct unauthorized embalming experiments before cremating the remains. According to information, Bui admitted to overseeing procedures on about 15 bodies.

Investigators said Bui injected some of the remains with formaldehyde and left others untreated in order to compare decomposition. Formaldehyde is a chemical commonly used in embalming to preserve human remains by delaying decomposition.

Information also alleges that Bui used the employee’s name without permission to amend death certificates, admitting to altering at least 128 documents.

Under Texas law, commercial mortuaries are prohibited from using human remains for research or educational purposes. 

Bui was booked into the Travis County Jail and released on bond. She is scheduled to appear in court on May 9.

Her attorney, Jessica Huynh, said in a statement that the case “contains complexities that are not immediately apparent” and urged the public not to rush to judgment.

The investigation remains ongoing.