HBO’s new documentary series The Mortician brings back the horrifying case of David Sconce, who ran Lamb Funeral Home in Pasadena, California, during the 1980s. The show looks at how a trusted funeral director turned his family business into a disturbing crime scene. It uncovers how Sconce broke the law to make more money—actions that not only shocked the public but also changed the way the funeral industry operates in the U.S. This case, once nearly forgotten, has returned to public view with chilling detail, showing the real dangers that can happen when greed overtakes basic human decency and trust.
The Story Behind the Crimes
David Sconce took control of Lamb Funeral Home and quickly began changing how things were done. Instead of treating the deceased with dignity, Sconce started cremating multiple bodies at the same time in one oven to save money. In some cases, up to 35 bodies were burned together, which is not only unethical but also illegal. He would give families ashes that didn’t belong to their loved ones—sometimes even giving them ashes from animals or fireplace soot. In addition, Sconce and his workers removed gold fillings from the mouths of the deceased and sold them. He also took body parts to sell for profit. This left families feeling betrayed and hurt, especially after learning that their loved ones weren’t treated with the care and respect they deserved during their final rites.
Violence Against Competitors
David Sconce didn’t just break laws inside his own funeral home—he also tried to harm his competitors. As more funeral homes opened nearby, he saw them as threats to his growing business. To stay ahead, he hired people to physically harm or intimidate other funeral directors. There were reports of beatings and other attacks arranged by Sconce to scare off competitors. This wasn’t just shady business; it was violent and illegal. These acts of aggression showed that he was willing to go to dangerous lengths for power and money. The attacks added even more weight to the case against him when it finally came to court. For many in the industry, it was a wake-up call about how far someone could go when left unchecked.
Legal Actions and Sentencing
In 1989, David Sconce faced several criminal charges for his actions. These included illegally handling corpses, defrauding families, and planning violent attacks on other business owners. He pleaded guilty to many of the charges and was sentenced to five years in prison. However, he only served about two and a half years before being released. Sadly, this wasn’t the end of his criminal activity. In the years that followed, he was involved in more illegal actions, including a 1994 scam and a 2012 case where he was caught stealing a rifle. This led to a new court case in 2013, where he was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. He served more time and was released on parole in 2023. Today, his crimes are a painful reminder of how badly things can go wrong when systems are abused.
Where Is David Sconce Now?
After being released on parole in 2023, David Sconce has stayed out of the public eye. Reports say he now lives a quiet life somewhere in California. He has not spoken publicly about his past, but his name is back in the news because of the HBO docuseries. While he is no longer working in the funeral business, the damage he caused still affects many people. Families who were victims of his crimes continue to seek answers and closure. Sconce’s story shows how important it is to have strict rules and oversight in sensitive industries like funeral services. Although he’s free today, the impact of what he did still lingers, especially for those who trusted him during their most difficult times.
Impact on the Funeral Industry
The actions of David Sconce shook public trust in funeral homes across the country. After his crimes came to light, lawmakers and industry leaders pushed for changes. New laws were passed to make sure funeral homes followed ethical practices, especially when it came to cremations. The state of California introduced stricter inspections and reporting rules. Many funeral homes also began using third-party verification systems to prove that cremations were handled properly. The National Funeral Directors Association made it clear that Sconce’s behavior was rare and not representative of the industry. Still, the case became a turning point. It taught professionals that transparency and regulation were necessary to maintain public trust, especially when families are in such vulnerable emotional states.
HBO’s The Mortician Series
HBO’s The Mortician explores the Sconce scandal in detail through a three-part documentary series. The show includes interviews with former employees, law enforcement officers, and families who were affected. Archival footage, court records, and reenactments are used to help viewers understand how the case unfolded. The first episode premiered on June 1, 2025, and the next two will air on June 8 and June 15. Each episode airs on HBO at 9 p.m. ET/PT and is also available for streaming on Max. The series has already sparked conversations about ethics in the funeral industry and the need for stronger regulations. By highlighting real voices and lived experiences, The Mortician serves as both a warning and a reminder of the importance of accountability in sensitive professions.
Image Source: New York Post
