Woman Demands Return of Mother’s Remains After Father’s Body Stolen in Alleged Theft Ring at Harvard Medical School Morgue

A woman is demanding the return of her mother’s remains after learning that her father’s body was stolen as part of an alleged gruesome theft ring at the Harvard Medical School morgue. Paula Peltonovich said her parents, Nicholas and Joan Pichowicz, donated their remains to the school after their deaths in 2019 and March, respectively.

The indictments, which were announced Wednesday, charged morgue manager Cedric Lodge, his wife and several others with trafficking stolen human remains. Peltonovich said Harvard confirmed that her father was a victim of the ring.

“This is what they chose to do years ago,” Peltonovich said, getting emotional. “My concern is getting my mom back.”

Harvard Medical School accepts such donations through its Anatomical Gift Program. After the bodies are used, Harvard cremates the remains and either returns them to the families or sends them to a cemetery.

Peltonovich is now demanding that her mother’s remains be returned to their family. She said she is still in shock over the news and is hoping to get some closure.

“It’s just so hard to comprehend,” she said. “I just want my mom back.”