The son of Eric Mays, a third-term councilman who served the city of Flint before his death last month, is suing the late city leader’s four siblings and a funeral home over the handling of Mays’ remains.
Eric HaKeem Deontaye Mays, who is referred to in a news release from Lento Law Group as Eric Mays’ “son and only next-of-kin,” filed the lawsuit on Monday alleging fraud, conspiracy and unjust enrichment in connection with how the late councilman’s body was handled.
Eric Mays, the outspoken leader who led the majority-Black district during the Flint water crisis, died on Feb. 24 at 65 years old. He’s believed to have died without a will, according to the complaint.
The lawsuit seeks an order preventing Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home from moving forward with any funeral plans or arrangements planned by anyone other than Eric HaKeem Deontaye Mays.
It also seeks an order compelling the funeral home to release Eric Mays’ body to whichever funeral home his son chooses.
“The Moon Funeral Home is disrespecting the life and legacy of the late Flint City Councilman Eric B. Mays by holding his body hostage and refusing to turn it over to his son, and by participating in an unlawful conspiracy with estranged, rogue members of the late Councilman’s family to deprive his son his right to lay his father to rest,” said Joseph Cannizzo, Jr., an attorney representing Eric HaKeem Deontaye Mays, in a statement.
“Every child deserves to have a say in their parent’s final affairs. Through this legal action, we hope to rectify the legal wrongs we alleged have taken place against Mr. Mays and give him closure during this difficult time while also affording him the opportunity–as is his right–to honor his father’s legacy,” Cannizzo said.
The suit claims that on Feb. 24, when Genesee County medical examiner investigator Amanda Rhoades visited Eric Mays’ home to conduct a death investigation, she spoke with two of his…
Read the full article here
