The Austin Police Department (APD), in cooperation with the Texas Funeral Services Commission (TFSC), Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Texas Rangers, has identified two suspects linked to an investigation into the abuse of a human corpse at Capital Mortuary Services (CMS) located on Victor Street.
The investigation began after a former embalmer at CMS filed a complaint on March 10, 2025, with TFSC. The complaint alleged fraudulent use of their name and credentials for issuing multiple death certificates without consent. Allegations also included unauthorized “experiments” on anatomical structures by Adeline Bui.
TFSC informed APD of the matter on April 2, 2025. APD detectives subsequently examined the case and uncovered evidence including a project titled “Freedom Art Experiment.” Materials involved unknown decedents, including severed arms and various discussions pertaining to tissue decomposition. APD confirmed that at least one body had been abused.
On April 7, 2025, detectives interviewed the complainant, who revealed the misuse of their credentials 129 times. A search at CMS was conducted on April 10, resulting in evidence recovery. During this inquiry, Bui acknowledged identity forgery, admitting to using the complainant’s credentials for necessary documentation processing, given their details were still accessible in the electronic system.
Bui also shared that MedtoMarket had requested such procedures. However, CEO Aaron Ali denied calling these activities “experiments.” Despite his claims, the TFSC confirmed the unsanctioned nature of CMS for anatomical procedures.
On April 16, 2025, APD received a link to a Senate Committee hearing video, where Ali asserted compliance with state lab use regulations. However, gathered evidence indicated otherwise, revealing the unauthorized use of human arms supplied by Ali’s facility for experimental purposes at CMS.
Consequently, Ali faced charges of Aggravated Perjury and Abuse of a Human Corpse. On April 18, 2025, Bui surrendered and was charged with Abuse of Corpse and several counts of Tampering with Governmental Records.
There is no evidence connecting the forged death certificates to the bodies experimented on. On April 28, 2025, Ali turned himself in at the Travis County Jail but was released on bond shortly after.
APD assures the public that the offenses remain isolated within CMS’s operations and do not pose a threat to public safety. “We understand the deep trust that families place in those who care for their loved ones after death,” stated Detective Brice Bishop, APD’s lead investigator. “This investigation is being handled with the thoroughness and care these allegations demand.”
APD has reached out to families who utilized CMS services to offer support and invites anyone with information or who may have been employed by CMS to contact their office.
The investigation is ongoing, with APD emphasizing transparency, accountability, and justice.
