In a shocking turn of events, a family from upstate New York discovered that the remains they had mourned and cremated, believing them to be their missing sister, were in fact those of a stranger. Shanita Hopkins and her family had even mixed the ashes with those of their late mother, only to find out three years later that their sister, Shanice Crews, was still alive.
In 2024, the Hopkins family was informed that the decomposed body of their missing sister had been found in an abandoned lot in Rochester. The autopsy report indicated that Crews, a 32-year-old mother of two, had died from a cocaine overdose. However, Hopkins insisted that her sister was not involved with drugs.
The family was not allowed to view the body due to its advanced state of decomposition, leading to a swift cremation. They held a memorial service and funeral, combining what they believed to be Crews’ ashes with those of their mother.
The narrative took an unexpected twist in November when Hopkins received a text message from an unknown individual in Detroit, accompanied by a photo of Crews. The sender claimed that Crews was alive and had recently volunteered at an event. Shocked, Hopkins immediately contacted the police, who referred her to the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office. The office maintained that the dental records of the deceased matched those of Crews.
Unconvinced, Hopkins presented the text message and photo she had received, prompting an investigation. DNA tests were conducted on Crews’ younger sister and son, but the results did not match the body that had been identified as Crews.
The family has been on an emotional rollercoaster since the revelation. Hopkins expressed her frustration and pain, stating that they can’t erase the memories of the initial grief and shock. The family is now seeking legal representation.
The Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office, while declining to comment on the allegations, stated that they use industry-standard scientific methods for identification. They have since retrieved the ashes given to the Hopkins family and offered to reimburse them for the memorial and cremation expenses. However, the family is seeking legal action for pain and suffering.
Despite their efforts to locate Crews through Detroit authorities, the family has not yet been able to reunite with her. Hopkins expressed her love for her sister and her desire to let her know that past disagreements no longer matter.