Unlicensed Funeral Home in New York Discovered with 13 Decomposing Bodies, 17 Boxes of Cremains

The state has shut down the Camelot Funeral Home and revoked the director's license after the disturbing discovery.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Authorities found 13 decomposing bodies and 17 boxes of cremated remains inside an unlicensed funeral home in Mount Vernon, New York. The funeral home director, Michael Naughton, continued to hold services for months after his license was revoked in 2019. One family whose loved one's remains were among those discovered is now questioning what happened and why they were never given the cremains they were promised.

Why it matters

This case highlights the lack of oversight and regulation in the funeral home industry, which can lead to disturbing situations where families are taken advantage of and the deceased are not treated with proper care and respect. It also raises concerns about how many other unlicensed or unethical funeral homes may be operating and the potential for more victims.

The details

During an inspection, authorities found 13 decomposing bodies in various rooms of the Camelot Funeral Home, including two stacked on top of each other in the garage. They also discovered 17 boxes of cremated remains in the basement. The funeral home director, Michael Naughton, had continued to hold funeral services for months after his license was revoked in 2019. One family, the Washingtons, had their loved one's body among those found and were never given the cremains they were promised.

  • Estella Washington died on November 25.
  • Naughton's license was revoked in 2019.
  • Camelot Funeral Home was shut down in 2021, reopened, and then closed again in May 2025.
  • The attorney general's office says the facility conducted over 20 funerals since August 2025.

The players

Michael Naughton

The operator of the Camelot Funeral Home in Mount Vernon who continued to hold funeral services for months after his license was revoked in 2019.

Aloma Washington

The daughter of Estella Washington, whose body was found among the 13 decomposing bodies at the Camelot Funeral Home.

Estella Washington

A 74-year-old woman whose body was found among the 13 decomposing bodies at the Camelot Funeral Home.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He said, 'I know you're taking this hard. So, if you're not ready to bring her home yet, I understand.' He said, 'Mom will be safe here with me,'”

— Aloma Washington (abc7chicago.com)

“Someone was going to go pick my mom like a month or so ago, right? So what if we would have went to pick her up? What was he going to tell us or what was he going to give us?”

— Aloma Washington (abc7chicago.com)

What’s next

Naughton is due back in court later this month. In the meantime, any impacted family that hasn't been in touch with law enforcement has been asked to contact the attorney general's office.

The takeaway

This disturbing case highlights the lack of oversight and regulation in the funeral home industry, which can enable unethical operators to take advantage of grieving families. It underscores the need for stronger licensing requirements and inspections to ensure the proper and respectful treatment of the deceased.