Louisiana Police Investigate Missing Remains Case
The family of Sharon Jeansonne reports that New Orleans Funeral and Cremation Service failed to return her cremated remains.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Accidents
The family of 72-year-old Sharon Jeansonne is seeking answers after failing to receive her remains following her death on May 26, 2026. Louisiana State Police have launched an investigation into the now-closed New Orleans funeral home.
Why it matters
The situation has caused significant distress for the grieving family and prompted a formal state-level review into the business practices of the funeral home owner. Authorities are now working to determine the whereabouts of the missing remains.
Louisiana State Police are actively investigating the funeral home, which has ceased operations and disconnected its phone service. The Orleans Parish Coroner's Office confirmed the deceased was not among the remains recovered on-site.
The players
Sharon Jeansonne
She was a 72-year-old woman whose remains are the subject of an active investigation after failing to be returned to her family.
Louisiana State Police
This state-level law enforcement agency is leading the formal investigation into the missing remains and the funeral home's operations.
Orleans Parish Coroner's Office
This local government office manages death investigations and confirmed that the remains were not found at the facility.
Bagnell & Son Crematory
This crematory facility officially ended its professional partnership with the funeral home owner prior to the death of the deceased.
New Orleans Funeral and Cremation Service
This funeral home entity is currently closed and remains the central focus of the state investigation into the missing remains.
The details
The funeral home owner allegedly used unauthorized cremation documents from Bagnell & Son Crematory to represent the service. Bagnell & Son reported they stopped performing cremations for the owner on May 14, 2026, and never received the remains of the deceased.
Timeline
May 14, 2026: Bagnell & Son Crematory ended its cremation services for the funeral home owner.
May 26, 2026: Sharon Jeansonne died at the age of 72.
July 27, 2026: The owner contacted the family regarding the collection of the remains.
Legal Context
This case highlights critical lapses in oversight regarding Louisiana funeral industry operational standards. Authorities are examining how authorization documents were used after a business partnership formally concluded.
The closure of the funeral home and the ongoing police investigation may leave families who previously used the business seeking verification of their own loved ones' remains. Residents are advised to monitor official announcements from the Louisiana State Police for further guidance.
The takeaway
Families in similar situations should contact local authorities if they have concerns regarding the status of cremated remains held by businesses that have ceased operations. The family of the deceased is currently considering legal action as the investigation continues.
Further reading
For more updates on local legal investigations, visit the New Orleans Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KLFY 10 Lafayette.
