HITCHCOCK, Texas – If you’ve ever experienced the pain of losing a loved one, you may understand how important it is to have closure. Unfortunately, that closure has been delayed for two women who say they have been waiting months for their loved ones’ remains from a crematory in Hitchcock.
Frustrations have reached a peak for Darrellon Prince, who shared her experience: “My uncle passed away December 10. I paid for him to be cremated. Today is April 18, and I’m still waiting on his remains,” she said.
Prince is not alone in her struggle. Cherice West, who owns Rejoice Funeral Home, had eight bodies, including her uncle’s, brought to Mainland Memorial Cemetery and Crematory, owned by a man named Russel LaRue. West stated that the cremations were taking so long that she had six of the bodies taken elsewhere to be cremated.
“The typical turnaround time, with all the documents being signed and everything together, is a week, no more than two weeks at the most,” West explained.
Months later, the remains of West’s uncle and Prince’s uncle are still believed to be locked inside the building. “My uncle is in this building. I have been trying to get Russel. My family has not had closure either,” West added.
The situation has been frustrating for both families. “Mr. Wilson has been lying for months. Oh, my toilet’s down. Oh, we’re waiting on a technician to come out,” West said.
He also mentioned that he has filed a complaint with the state of Texas and contacted Hitchcock police.
Hitchcock police managed to reach LaRue.
“From my understanding... no, listen. This has already been an ongoing thing,” an officer said during the call.
When asked when he could get to the police station, LaRue replied, “Well, I’m trying to figure that out because I’ve got some things I want to get done before I get back... so... I’m going to say three.”
Finally, after much delay, LaRue handed over the remains to the families.
Hitchcock police say they do not believe any criminal charges will result from this situation. Both women from the story now have their loved ones’ remains. West expressed relief, stating that rather than seeking legal action, she is happy with the closure she now has and is looking forward to putting all of this behind her.
