A New Book Fills In the Human Stories Behind Unmarked Graves

“The Unclaimed: Abandonment and Hope in the City of Angels” by Pamela Prickett and Stefan Timmermans explores the bureaucracy and mechanics surrounding unclaimed deceased individuals, particularly in Los Angeles. The authors delve into the lives of four specific individuals who died alone: Bobby, a homeless Air Force veteran; Lena, a paranoid widow; David, a solitary veteran; and Midge, a woman with a troubled past who found solace in a church community.

The book chronicles the post-mortem processes involving various bureaucratic entities, such as the medical examiner’s and public administrator’s offices. It emphasizes the importance of identifying the deceased, notifying relatives, and ensuring a dignified burial. However, the system’s flaws often lead to complications, with resentful or absent relatives, exploitation by funeral homes, and bureaucratic red tape hindering the process.

For more information see Dan Barry “A New Book Fills In the Human Stories Behind Unmarked Graves”, The New York Times, March 7, 2024.

Special thanks to Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.