AMITYVILLE, N.Y. (1010 WINS) -- A family is accusing a Long Island funeral home of burying another woman at their mother’s funeral, and is seeking a hefty sum in response.
The family of Sadie Williams said they had warned Joseph A. Slinger-Hasgill Funeral Services in Amityville that the body they were shown a day after her death on Aug. 17 was not their mother’s. But they claim the home pushed back and said the body had been dramatically altered during embalming.
One of Williams’ children, Salima Lee, told WINS that Slinger-Hasgill actually laughed at them when she suggested the body wasn’t her mother’s, claiming it was a common suggestion from families.
The home and family went ahead with the burial, which they wanted to be done quickly in accordance with Muslim tradition. The body was buried next to Williams' husband, an attorney said.
The family said soon after, the home called Lee allegedly confirming that the body buried wasn’t their mother’s.
An attorney claimed the home tried to have Williams transported to another cemetery without a service. A service was eventually held Sept. 8, two weeks later than planned, a release said.
Now, their lawyer said the family is suing the home for $88 million in a suit that includes Williams' 11 kids, calling the mix-up “unconscionable” and “egregious.”
Attorney Phil Rizzuto told WINS that they were forced to file suit after not hearing from the home in 60 days.
Slinger-Hasgill said it is reviewing the lawsuit, and will comment at a later time.