The Austin Police Department (APD), in partnership with the Texas Funeral Services Commission (TFSC), the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Texas Rangers, has identified two suspects in relation to the abuse of human corpse investigation at Capital Mortuary Services (CMS), located at 201 Victor Street. 

On March 10, 2025, TFSC received a complaint from a former embalmer for Capital Mortuary Services. The complainant stated that his name and funeral director credentials were fraudulently used without his consent to file multiple death certificates without his effective consent. These documents, submitted to the Texas Department of State Health Services, bore a forged electronic signature and misrepresented the complainant’s involvement in mortuary operations during the timeframes in question. The complainant also reported that “experiments” were being conducted at the establishment by Adeline Bui on separated anatomical structures, specifically arms, on an unknown decedent.  

On April 2, 2025, an investigator with TFSC contacted the Austin Police Department to inform detectives of the investigation. On April 6, 2025, detectives with the APD Homicide Unit reviewed evidence related to the investigation. The evidence included a project thread that was titled “Freedom Art Experiment.” The thread showed materials that are believed to involve unknown decedents, including photos of severed arms and discussions on tissue decomposition, mold growth, and the use of materials like fishing line to suture the specimens. At this time, detectives have confirmed one body that was being abused. 

On April 7, 2025, APD detectives interviewed the original complainant, who provided further information regarding the incident. Upon further investigation, detectives learned that the complainant’s name was used 129 times for death certificates under the name of Capital Mortuary Services.  

On April 10, 2025, APD executed a search warrant at Capital Mortuary Services, where they recovered evidence related to the investigation. APD detectives also interviewed Bui on this day. She admitted to forging the complainant’s identity and utilizing his credentials to process critical documents required for the intake and cremation of decedents. According to Bui’s own statements, she “had to put someone’s name in” and the complainant was still a dropdown option in the electronic system. When detectives presented Bui with a death certificate amendment, Bui admitted to utilizing the complainant’s signature on the amendment, without his presence or consent, and using his driver’s license to validate state filings. 

Adeline Bui confirmed that her facility performed these procedures at the request of MedtoMarket, a company that had contracted Capital Mortuary Services for transportation and cremation services. Detectives interviewed MedtoMarket CEO Aaron Ali, who denied labeling the activities as “experiments.” He did acknowledge instructing Capital Mortuary Services staff to preserve and observe the progression of embalmed limbs over time. However, the Texas Funeral Services Commission confirmed that Capital Mortuary Services is not a licensed anatomical facility, and that these activities are unlawful under state health and safety codes. 

On April 16, 2025, a TFSC investigator contacted APD Homicide detectives and provided them with a link to a video from the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services. While reviewing the hearing, detectives heard Dr. Aaron Ali testify about his facility’s practices. He claimed MedtoMarket is a secure, state-approved lab that only uses donated bodies for training licensed professionals like doctors and first responders. He emphasized the importance of dignity and respect in handling human remains and stated that all training happens only at their facility.  

The evidence obtained by detectives showed the opposite of these statements. Dr. Ali had provided human arms to Capital Mortuary Services, a facility not approved by the state, for experimental testing involving embalming fluid.  

Due to signing a legal statement swearing to tell the truth, and then knowingly giving false information, detectives issued a warrant for the arrest of Aaron Ali for Aggravated Perjury in addition to Abuse of a Human Corpse.  

On April 18, 2025, Bui self-surrendered at the Travis County Jail. She was charged with: 
•    Abuse of Corpse (State Jail Felony) 
•    Five counts of Tampering with Governmental Records (Second Degree Felony) 

At this time, Bui is out on bond.  

As of right now, there is no evidence to suggest that there is any connection between the 129 death certificates forged by Bui, and the 15 bodies she experimented on. These are being treated as separate incidents at this time.  

On April 28, 2025, Aaron Ali voluntarily reported to the Travis County Jail. Following the completion of the intake process, he was released after meeting the conditions of his bond. 

While the details of this investigation are concerning, the Austin Police Department wants to emphasize that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The alleged offenses are confined to the internal operations of one facility and do not represent a risk to the wider community. 

“We understand the deep trust that families place in those who care for their loved ones after death,” said Detective Brice Bishop, lead investigator with APD’s Homicide Unit. “Let me be clear: APD takes these violations extremely seriously. This investigation is being handled with the thoroughness and care these allegations demand.” 

If you used Capital Mortuary Services for funeral or mortuary services for a family member or loved one, please know the Austin Police Department is here to support you. We understand this may be a difficult and uncertain time. While using CMS does not necessarily mean your family member or loved one was involved as a victim in this case, our victim services counselors are available to provide basic information. Please don’t hesitate to email victim.services@austintexas.gov if you would like to speak with someone.

Anyone who is a former employee of Capital Mortuary Services or may have further information regarding any suspicious activity that took place there is asked to contact the Austin Police Department so detectives can further investigate. Anyone with any information may submit a tip by clicking here or scanning the QR code below. 

This case remains under active investigation, and the Austin Police Department is committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring justice is served.