Recent state inspections at Warren Funeral Chapel in Columbia found bodies stored without refrigeration or embalming for more than 24 hours. Investigators found in one case, a body was not refrigerated for more than ten months. Other unsanitary conditions included reused caskets, an unclean embalming room and employees working on bodies without gloves.

The Attorney General's office filed a lawsuit with the Boone County Circuit Court requesting to keep the funeral chapel from conducting funerals or embalming. The lawsuit names Harold Warren Jr. and Harold Warren Sr.as the current and former funeral director.

According to a news release from the attorney general's office, the investigation of the business started on July 11 when members of the State Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors found a strong smell throughout the Warren Funeral Chapel. An embalmed body from a September 2007 death was found decaying in the building's electrical room. At the same time, investigators found a casket that Warren Sr. said was going to be re-used for the cremation of another body.

Nixon's office says the Warrens violated state law and consumer protection statutes. The lawsuit wants courts to close the business and pay penalties to the state.