DOUGLAS, Ga. (WSAV) – The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) shared an update on Thursday as they investigate Johnson Funeral Home, where 18 bodies were found last month in various stages of decomposition as Coffee County sheriff’s deputies served an eviction notice at the business.
The funeral home owner, 39-year-old Chris Johnson, has been charged with 17 counts of abuse of dead body, according to the GBI.
The agency released a list to the public of frequently asked questions, including whether the remains have been identified at this time.
"We expect to have most of the remains identified in the near future, but we cannot provide a time frame," the GBI stated.
They said the GBI Medical Examiner's Office is examining the remains in what is a time-consuming process "due to both the volume and complexity of the case."
‘You are in slave group B’: Racist texts sent to Black Americans
The families will be notified once the identities have been confirmed, but those names will not be released to the public in the interest of privacy, the GBI said.
The agency also answered a series of questions about cremains, which are now at GBI Headquarters for further examination.
"Unfortunately, we are unable to identify cremains as a specific person. We are able to determine if the cremains are of a human origin or not," the GBI explained.
Additionally, many asked how they can know that the cremains they have are of their family member.
"It has been well reported that certain cremation identification numbers do not match those at a local crematory used by Chris Johnson. We are working to determine if we can provide any answers regarding whether a family received the correct cremains," the GBI responded.
40 monkeys on the loose in Yemassee, law enforcement officials say
The agency explained this is a complex investigation that requires many resources, and they cannot put a timeframe on it.
"We ask for your patience and your trust as we work to find as many answers as possible for the victims," the GBI stated. "We will provide updates to the public, when possible, but our focus is on the criminal investigation and subsequent prosecution."
Anyone who still needs to contact the GBI about this case can do so via the See Something, Send Something mobile app or to the Watchdesk at 1-800-597-TIPS (8477).
To view the full list of FAQs, visit this link.