Stillborn Infant Found in Laundry Shipment Nearly 2 Weeks After Funeral: Reports

The remains of a stillborn infant have been found hundreds of miles away at a laundromat in Shreveport, Louisiana, almost two weeks after the child’s funeral in Dallas, Texas. 

At around 5:30 a.m. local time on Tuesday, May 27, the Shreveport Police Department was alerted to a mummified infant having been found wrapped in laundry at Alsco Uniforms on Hollywood Avenue. The commercial dry cleaner is about 190 miles east of Dallas, where the child was stillborn on May 3, CBS News, NBCDFW5, and KBTX3 reported.

Following the infant’s funeral service at Golden Gate Funeral Home & Crematory on May 17, the remains were scheduled for cremation, according to the outlets. The Alsco Uniforms employee initially mistook the child for a doll, per local media outlet Shreveport Times.

“It was a very disturbing scene,” said Corporal Chris Bordelon, per NBCDFW5. “Officers found what was a small infant, what was described as mummified.”

Detectives on the scene noticed early signs of decomposition and said “it smelled strongly of formaldehyde,” suggesting that the infant may have been embalmed.

“It was a very bizarre set of circumstances,” Bordelon said, according to NBCDFW5. “Our violent crimes team began their investigation and were able to track down the load of linens.”

Preliminary findings suggest that the deceased infant’s remains were mistakenly transported to Shreveport along with soiled linens, per local news outlet WFAA. Police have said no foul play is suspected.

“This is a deeply distressing situation,” said Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith, according to CBS News. “Our thoughts are with the family of the child as this investigation unfolds.”

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The Texas Funeral Service Commission (TFSC) was already investigating Golden Gate Funeral Home over separate allegations. Following the new situation, they have broadened their administrative investigation, CBS News reported.

“Every decedent is entitled to a respectful and lawful disposition,” TFSC Executive Director Scott Bingaman said, per the outlet. “Every Texan deserves both protection from predatory practices and the ability to voice concerns about the services they receive.”

“This case has created unnecessary and deeply distressing obstacles for a grieving family due to alleged negligence. The commission is committed to conducting a thorough and impartial investigation to determine whether the child’s remains were mishandled. If violations are substantiated, appropriate enforcement actions will be taken.”

Shreveport Police, the TFSC, Alsco Uniforms and Golden Gate Funeral Home & Crematory did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment on May 30.