Austin Police Investigates Body Abuse and Experiments at Capital Mortuary Services

The Austin Police Department (APD), in cooperation with the Texas Funeral Services Commission (TFSC), the Texas Rangers, and the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office, has uncovered a disturbing operation involving forged death certificates, unauthorized use of embalmed human remains, and illegal experimentation at Capital Mortuary Services (CMS), located at 201 Victor Street in Austin.

Initial Complaint and Forgery Allegations

The investigation began on March 10, 2025, when TFSC received a formal complaint from a former embalmer who had worked at Capital Mortuary Services. The complainant alleged that his name and funeral director credentials had been used without his knowledge or consent to submit 129 death certificates to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The documents included forged electronic signatures and falsely indicated that the complainant had overseen mortuary operations during timeframes when he was not involved.

The same individual reported that a woman identified in the investigation had conducted “experiments” on separated human arms belonging to an unknown decedent inside the CMS facility. These experiments were not conducted under any licensed anatomical program, and the TFSC confirmed that Capital Mortuary Services is not licensed as an anatomical donation facility.

“Freedom Art Experiment” and Discovery of Abuse

On April 2, 2025, a TFSC investigator informed APD detectives of the complaint. By April 6, APD’s Homicide Unit had reviewed digital evidence, including a project thread labeled “Freedom Art Experiment.” Investigators discovered photographic documentation of severed arms and accompanying text discussing tissue decomposition, mold growth, and suturing methods using fishing line—procedures believed to have been performed on human remains at CMS.

Police confirmed that at least one human body was abused during these activities. The project materials were linked to 50-year-old Adeline Bui, who had been employed at Capital Mortuary Services and was later identified as one of the suspects.

Search Warrant and Suspect Admissions

On April 10, 2025, APD executed a search warrant at Capital Mortuary Services. During the search, detectives recovered further evidence related to the forgery of documents and handling of human remains. Bui was interviewed the same day and admitted to forging the former embalmer’s name and credentials on death certificates and amendments.

Bui told investigators she used the embalmer’s identity because his name was still available in the state’s electronic filing system, and she “had to put someone’s name in.” She also confessed to using his driver’s license to validate cremation documents and other filings with state authorities.

MedtoMarket’s Role and CEO Involvement

During the interview, Bui said that the procedures were conducted at the request of MedtoMarket, a medical research company that had contracted with CMS for transportation and cremation services. Detectives interviewed MedtoMarket CEO Dr. Aaron Ali, 53, who denied that the activities were “experiments” but acknowledged asking CMS staff to observe the progression of embalmed limbs over time.

Despite Dr. Ali’s claim that MedtoMarket only performs anatomical studies at its own secure, state-approved lab, the TFSC confirmed that CMS had no legal authority to perform any such procedures. On April 16, TFSC investigators provided APD with a video clip of a Texas Senate Health and Human Services Committee hearing where Dr. Ali testified under oath. In his statement, he emphasized MedtoMarket’s focus on dignity and respect in handling donated bodies—claims APD determined to be false based on their evidence.

Due to the apparent contradiction between his sworn testimony and investigative findings, APD issued a warrant for Dr. Ali’s arrest for Aggravated Perjury and Abuse of a Human Corpse.

Arrests and Charges

• April 18, 2025 – Adeline Bui surrendered to the Travis County Jail. She is charged with:
  • Abuse of a Human Corpse (State Jail Felony)
  • Five counts of Tampering with Governmental Records (Second Degree Felony)
  She has since posted bond and is currently released.
• April 28, 2025 – Dr. Aaron Ali voluntarily surrendered at the Travis County Jail. He was processed and released on bond after being formally charged with:
  • Aggravated Perjury (Third Degree Felony)
  • Abuse of a Human Corpse (State Jail Felony)

Status of the Investigation

At this time, investigators say there is no confirmed link between the 129 fraudulent death certificates and the 15 bodies allegedly used in Bui’s experiments. These matters are being treated as separate investigations.

Authorities stress that the alleged misconduct is limited to internal activities at Capital Mortuary Services and does not pose a public safety threat. The Austin Police Department encourages anyone who used CMS for funeral arrangements or worked at the facility and may have relevant information to come forward.

Victim Services is offering support to families with concerns about their loved ones who may have been handled by CMS. Interested individuals can reach out to APD Victim Services at victim.services@austintexas.gov.

The investigation remains active and ongoing, with APD pledging transparency and thoroughness in pursuing justice.