Monica Hicks says Pruitt’s Funeral Home promised to pay for her 5-year-old daughter Zah'Layah Walton’s funeral after the child was fatally shot, but later sent an invoice nearing $10,000. The funeral home says it provided an itemized statement to comply with FTC rules and denies rescinding a pro bono offer. Hicks contends the home removed her daughter’s body without permission and signed paperwork while grieving; she later moved the remains to another funeral home that offered pro bono services. The suspected shooter has been arrested and faces capital murder charges.
Houston Mother Says Funeral Home Promised Free Service — Then Sent Nearly $10,000 Bill After Daughter’s Death
Screenshot via KHOU 11/Youtube
Monica Hicks says she was promised a pro bono funeral for her 5-year-old daughter, Zah'Layah Walton, after the child was fatally shot in Houston — but later received an invoice approaching $10,000.
What Happened
On Sept. 19 at about 11:30 p.m., Hicks was driving on Grant Road in Houston with her five children when a man in a pickup truck pulled alongside their vehicle and opened fire, according to police. Two of the children suffered minor injuries from broken glass; Zah'Layah was shot in the head and later died.
Funeral Offer and Dispute
Two days after the shooting, funeral director Linda Davis of Pruitt's Funeral Home attended a vigil and told the family the funeral home would cover the cost of services. Hicks later says she received an itemized bill for nearly $10,000 and accused the funeral home of reneging on the pro bono promise.
“We reached out to the family and asked if we could do the services pro bono. We will be taking care of the arrangements at Pruitt in the Heights for baby girl Zah'Layah,”
Funeral Home's Response
Pruitt’s Funeral Home disputes the allegation that it canceled a free arrangement. The funeral home says it issued an itemized statement and a funeral contract to comply with Federal Trade Commission requirements. Davis said an itemized statement was required by law and that there was no wrongdoing on their part.
Remains, Paperwork and Transfer
Hicks alleges staff from the funeral home removed Zah'Layah’s body from the medical examiner’s office without her permission. The funeral home says Hicks authorized the pickup. Hicks later acknowledged she signed paperwork before the transfer but says she could not recall the form’s contents while grieving. After the dispute, Hicks transferred her daughter’s remains to Signature Funeral Home, which reportedly offered its own pro bono assistance.
Legal Status
The suspected shooter, 47-year-old Jeremy Porter, told investigators he thought Hicks’ vehicle belonged to someone else. He has been arrested and is facing capital murder charges.
Context
This case highlights tensions that can arise between grieving families and service providers, the importance of clear written agreements, and federal rules (FTC) governing funeral service disclosures and itemized statements.
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