Families who took legal action against Harvard University following allegations of the theft and sale of their loved ones’ remains on the black market have encountered a setback as their cases were dismissed.
Paula Peltonovich asserts that her father, whose body was donated to Harvard Medical School for research, is among those affected by the morgue scandal.
“To learn that someone purchased something belonging to my father, or multiple items, I want those returned,” expressed Peltonovich.
The manager of Harvard’s morgue, Cedric Lodge, stands accused of profiting from body parts taken from donated cadavers. Criminal charges have been brought against him, along with individuals involved in the trafficking of these body parts.
Families of the victims sought accountability through legal recourse against Harvard. However, a recent ruling by a judge dismissed all lawsuits against the institution.
“How can Harvard simply evade responsibility?” questioned Peltonovich. “I fail to comprehend.”
In the ruling to dismiss the civil case against Harvard, the judge cited the institution’s immunity, stating it acted in good faith and cannot be held liable for the alleged misconduct of its employee.
“Harvard essentially receives a ‘get out of jail free’ card,” remarked Kathryn Barnett, an attorney from the law firm Morgan & Morgan representing the families. “No accountability for the events within its morgue involving entrusted remains.”
Barnett criticized Harvard for turning a blind eye to the morgue’s activities and expressed profound disappointment in the judge’s decision.
“It’s a ruling that grants every institution free rein to allow criminal behavior in their morgues, provided they look the other way,” Barnett commented.
Legal representatives for the families have announced plans to appeal the decision.