In Houston, Texas, a disturbing incident has unfolded involving a mortuary worker accused of mutilating the corpse of a convicted sex offender. Amber Paige Laudermilk, a 34-year-old embalmer at Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, has been charged with abuse of a corpse, a felony offense, after allegedly desecrating the body of 58-year-old Charles Roy Rodriguez
Rodriguez, who had been a registered sex offender since a 2001 conviction for sexually assaulting a 31-year-old woman, died of natural causes in January 2025. His body was transferred to Memorial Mortuary & Crematory for cremation. On February 7, 2025, during preparations for the procedure, a relative contacted the mortuary to request that Rodriguez’s ashes be divided between his daughter and his spouse. During this conversation, the relative mentioned Rodriguez’s status as a registered sex offender.
Upon learning of Rodriguez’s criminal history, Laudermilk allegedly reacted by mutilating the corpse. According to court documents, she used a scalpel to stab the deceased twice in the groin area, then proceeded to sever his penis and place it in his mouth. This act was reportedly witnessed by an embalming student and another employee. Laudermilk allegedly instructed the student, “You didn’t see anything,” in a manner perceived as threatening.
The incident was reported to authorities on February 19, 2025, leading to an investigation by the Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office. Laudermilk turned herself in on March 11, 2025, and was subsequently released on a $5,000 bond. As a condition of her bond, she is prohibited from working as an embalmer during the ongoing legal proceedings.
Memorial Mortuary & Crematory has expressed shock and horror at the alleged actions of their former employee. A spokesperson for the funeral home stated that Laudermilk had been terminated and that they are fully cooperating with authorities in the investigation.
Abuse of a corpse is a felony in Texas, carrying potential penalties of up to two years in jail and a $10,000 fine. Laudermilk’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 13, 2025.
This incident has raised concerns about the protocols and oversight within mortuary facilities. Ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their past actions, are treated with dignity in death is a fundamental ethical standard in the funeral industry. The case underscores the importance of strict adherence to professional conduct and the need for comprehensive training and monitoring of mortuary staff to prevent such violations
The broader implications of this case touch upon the ethical responsibilities of those entrusted with the care of the deceased. It highlights the necessity for mortuary facilities to implement stringent policies and oversight mechanisms to ensure that personal biases do not interfere with the respectful treatment of all individuals in death. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of upholding ethical standards in professions dealing with the deceased.
