A Georgia couple has taken legal action against Hillcrest Memorial Park and Williams Funeral Home after their infant daughter’s remains went missing. The lawsuit, filed earlier this year, accuses the cemetery and funeral home of negligence, mishandling of remains, and causing severe emotional distress.
A Tragic Loss 23 Years Ago
In 2001, Kamaron Hickman and Fatima Nettles endured an unimaginable loss when their six-month-old daughter, Jada Hickman, passed away. Grieving parents at the time, they chose Hillcrest Memorial Park in Augusta as her final resting place.
Fast forward to 2024, the pair, now divorced and living in different areas, decided to exhume Jada’s remains. Their intention was to cremate the remains, enabling them to keep their daughter close despite the physical distance between them.
However, when cemetery staff began the process, an unthinkable discovery was made—Jada’s remains were missing.
Cemetery Cites Passage of Time
The groundskeeper at Hillcrest Memorial Park informed Hickman and Nettles that Jada’s remains could not be located in the burial plot they had purchased over two decades ago. The cemetery reportedly attributed this loss to “the passage of time,” but no further explanation was provided.
The couple, heartbroken and desperate for answers, turned to legal avenues to seek accountability.
Legal Claims of Negligence and Emotional Distress
The lawsuit filed by Jada’s parents names both Hillcrest Memorial Park and Williams Funeral Home as defendants. It includes 12 claims, ranging from negligence to emotional distress, and accuses both entities of mishandling Jada’s remains.
Hickman and Nettles allege that neither the cemetery nor the funeral home has been forthcoming with information or assistance, leaving them to navigate their grief without closure.
The lawsuit calls for a fair jury trial and seeks financial damages for pain and suffering, as well as any other compensation deemed appropriate by the court.
Financial and Emotional Toll on the Family
Over the years, the couple has spent thousands of dollars trying to uncover the truth about what happened to their daughter’s remains. Despite their efforts, they have yet to receive any clear answers or satisfactory explanations.
“The emotional toll of this experience has been devastating,” a source close to the family shared. “Losing a child is hard enough, but to lose her twice—once in death and now again in this way—is unbearable.”
Lack of Response From the Accused
Attempts by local media to obtain a statement from the cemetery and funeral home have been largely unsuccessful. Hillcrest Memorial Park, owned by SCI Shared Resources, declined to comment, citing the ongoing litigation.
Meanwhile, calls to Williams Funeral Home have gone unanswered, further fueling the family’s frustration and suspicions.
State Investigation Underway
Adding to the family’s pursuit of justice, the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office has confirmed an active investigation into the matter through its cemetery board. While details of the investigation remain confidential, its existence offers a glimmer of hope to Jada’s family.
The Family’s End Goal: Closure and Accountability
While financial compensation is part of the lawsuit, Hickman and Nettles emphasize that their primary objective is to locate their daughter’s remains and find closure.
“This lawsuit isn’t just about money—it’s about answers. It’s about holding people accountable for their actions and ensuring no other family has to go through this,” the family stated.
A Broader Conversation About Cemetery Oversight
The Hickman family’s case highlights a larger issue regarding oversight and accountability in the funeral and cemetery industries. Advocates argue that stronger regulations and more rigorous enforcement are needed to protect grieving families from similar incidents.
For now, Hickman and Nettles continue their fight for justice, hoping that their lawsuit will serve as a wake-up call to an industry often shielded from scrutiny.
Moving Forward With Hope
As the legal battle unfolds, Jada’s parents remain resolute in their quest to find their baby girl. Though their journey has been fraught with pain and uncertainty, they are determined to see it through—both for themselves and for the memory of their daughter.
This case underscores the profound responsibility that cemeteries and funeral homes bear in preserving the trust of families during their most vulnerable moments. For Hickman and Nettles, the pursuit of answers is not just about finding closure—it is a testament to their enduring love for their daughter, even 23 years after her passing.
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