The Greatest True Crime Stories Ever Told Season 2, Episode: "Criminal Cremators" Release Date: April 22, 2025 Host: Mary Kay McBrayer (iHeartPodcasts)
Introduction
In the gripping episode titled "Criminal Cremators," Mary Kay McBrayer delves into the dark underbelly of the funeral business, unraveling a tale of greed, deception, and moral decay within the Lamb Family Funeral Home. This story not only highlights the lengths to which individuals will go for profit but also underscores the systemic failures that allow such heinous activities to flourish.
Background: The Lamb Family Funeral Home
The Lamb Family Funeral Home, a well-established three-generation business in Pasadena, California, was renowned for its reliable services and strong community ties. Led by Laurie Ann Lamb and her husband, Jerry Scotts, the funeral home thrived on customer retention and word-of-mouth referrals, a standard in the industry where advertising death is deemed gauche.
Notable Quote:
“The business itself was well known as funeral homes tend to be. Locals used the same businesses over and over.” ([02:04])
However, beneath the facade of a respectable family business, dark secrets were brewing, primarily driven by David Sconce, Laurie Ann and Jerry's only child.
David Sconce: The Progeny of Greed
David Sconce, depicted as the quintessential high school heartthrob and former football player, was anything but content with the status quo of the family business. Despite his enrollment in embalming school, David's lack of aptitude and dissatisfaction with the field led him down a path of unethical innovation.
In 1982, amidst a rising trend in cremations—from 4.1% in 1968 to 34% by the mid-1980s—David proposed expanding the funeral home’s services to include a cremation division. While the idea seemed commercially viable, the execution was fundamentally flawed and ethically compromising.
Notable Quote:
“How can you tell if the remains are mixed anyway? What difference does it make? They're dead.” ([05:45])
The Descent into Criminality
David's plan involved undercutting competitors by charging a mere $55 per cremation, a stark contrast to the industry standard of around $1,000. To achieve this, he resorted to overcrowding the cremation retorts, leading to multiple bodies being cremated simultaneously. This approach not only breached ethical standards but also violated legal protocols.
To supplement his illicit operations, David engaged in the removal and sale of gold teeth from the deceased, an act he justified as a business opportunity despite its clear ethical violations.
Notable Quote:
“David said he could hear a man's jaws crack from across the room.” ([04:30])
Furthermore, David expanded his criminal activities to organ harvesting, coercing employees into participation and eliminating those who posed a threat to his operations.
Whistleblowers and Investigation
The unraveling of David's schemes began with internal dissent. Lisa Carlin, a tissue bank specialist employed by David, questioned the vague consent forms and ethical implications of organ harvesting. Her persistent inquiries and eventual confrontation with David led to her termination and subsequent threats against her well-being.
Notable Quote:
“That girl has gone too far. One of these days she's going to wind up dead.” ([14:20])
Additionally, external whistleblowers like Ron Haast and Tim Waters raised suspicions about the funeral home’s unusually high cremation rates, leading to increased scrutiny from authorities.
The 1987 Arrest and Trial
A turning point came in 1987 when a fire alarm at David's ceramics factory led to a police investigation. The discovery of human remains and evidence of illegal cremations led to the arrest of David and his parents, Laurie Ann and Jerry Scotts. Faced with 68 criminal counts, the family vehemently denied involvement, especially Laurie Ann, who claimed ignorance of David's actions.
Notable Quote:
“Laurie Ann's denial is kind of astounding.” ([26:15])
Despite overwhelming evidence of misconduct, the trials revealed systemic flaws. Judge Terry Smerling, known for his leniency, dismissed several charges by focusing solely on the legality of consent forms, effectively downplaying the moral reprehensibility of the crimes.
Aftermath and Legislative Changes
David Sconce's sentencing to five years in prison and subsequent probation seemed a light punishment for the magnitude of his crimes. However, this case spurred significant changes in the funeral industry, including stricter regulations on cremation practices and mandatory inspections to prevent similar abuses.
Notable Quote:
“All cremations must be performed individually unless a multiple cremation is authorized in writing.” ([29:10])
Key Characters
- David Sconce: The primary perpetrator responsible for the unethical and illegal practices within the funeral home.
- Laurie Ann Lamb: David’s mother, who, despite her denials, played a role in facilitating the family business.
- Lisa Carlin: The whistleblower whose moral stance was crucial in exposing the criminal activities.
- Judge Terry Smerling: The lenient judge whose rulings significantly impacted the trial's outcome.
Conclusion
"Criminal Cremators" serves as a chilling reminder of how ambition and greed can corrupt even the most trusted family institutions. Mary Kay McBrayer masterfully narrates this story, highlighting the intricate web of deception and the dire consequences of unchecked power within familial and professional dynamics. The episode not only recounts a harrowing true crime tale but also emphasizes the importance of ethical oversight and the courage of individuals who stand against systemic wrongdoing.
Notable Quote:
“Without her encouragement, these crimes may not have escalated to the scale that they did.” ([35:50])
Looking Ahead
Stay tuned for the next episode, where Mary Kay McBrayer will explore the story of the Gold Club, once Atlanta's most prominent and criminal strip club.
Production Credits:
- Host & Writer: Mary Kay McBrayer
- Producers: Emma DeMuth
- Editor: Antonio Enriquez
- Theme Music: Tyler Cash
- Executive Producer: Scott Waxman
Special Thanks: Ken Inglade for his book Family Business, which significantly contributed to the episode's content.
Disclaimer: The content discussed in this episode contains mature themes and graphic descriptions of violence that may be disturbing to some listeners.