Summary
A court in Massachusetts has decided that Harvard University can be sued by families whose deceased relatives' bodies were mishandled and sold by a former morgue manager. The court found that Harvard failed to secure its morgue and ensure proper treatment and disposal of donated bodies. Cedric Lodge, the ex-manager, is legally responsible for selling body parts on the black market over several years.
Key Facts
- The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled Harvard can be sued by affected families.
- Harvard is facing 12 lawsuits from 47 relatives of deceased individuals.
- The court found Harvard negligent in morgue security and handling of donated bodies.
- Cedric Lodge, the former morgue manager, sold body parts on the black market.
- Lodge's actions included selling heads, brains, skin, and bones across state lines.
- Lodge pled guilty to transporting stolen human remains and faces legal penalties.
- Harvard Medical School called Lodge's actions "morally reprehensible" and fired him in 2023.
- One conspirator paid Lodge and his wife over $37,000 for body parts through PayPal.
