Legal Question in Legal Ethics in California
In 1998, I was given the run around f(rom the mortuary hired to handle my son's services) when trying to obtain the clothing my son died in . On the day of cremation, I went from the crematory to this mortuary, to their "sister" mortuary to obtain his clothing. When I returned to the crematory hours later for my son's ashes, I was told, 'we're so very sorry - his clothes were in a bag at the foot of the casket.' I know it's been 10 years, but this involves a no-turning back scenario. He's gone. Along with potential evidence that could tell us what may have happened. It's the family's thinking he fell - his clothes would have shown that...sliding down a 150 ft. cliff would surely show dirty clothing. His body had scratches down his back - his shirt would have been filthy, too. Police said it was suicide, a "jumper" (how very sensitive), based on "two witnesses" - one of which I never found, the other denying what was written in the police report. His exact quote: "I never told them that." When I had police (at a higher level) investigate, reports came back "unfounded." Boy, they love throwing that term around. It's the sound of, 'we don't have time to do a thorough investigation.' Nevertheless, anyone with common sense can see that my son's clothing would have been telling. There must be someway to do something even though it's been over a decade. If you can help, please respond. I'd love to own a mortuary in Torrance, CA.
1 Answer from Attorneys
This is not a legal ethics question, unless you hired an attorney and he did not file an action. The statute of limitations has run on this matter, and it ran in 1999.