Decade old gravesite holds incorrect remains

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - More than 40 of the 56 cremated remains discovered in a Philadelphia Drive home last week remain unclaimed.

Dellaina Grundy of Jefferson Township is one of 14 families who have now claimed the cremated remains of their loved one.

Her father, Leroy Metcalfe, lost his battle with cancer in April 2002.  She and her family had Leroy cremated and then buried his remains at Dayton VA National Cemetery. 

The family made all arrangements through McLin Funeral Home. 

"We had the burial service following his celebration of life," said Dellaina Grundy.  "I saw the urn I purchased, and cannot believe all this time it was not my father's remains inside of it."

Grundy said for the past ten years she and her family have visited her father's gravestone for comfort and as a way to cope with his passing.

"I've been out here (cemetery) every birthday and holiday," said Grundy.  "I have brought my children and my grandchildren here over the years and we decorate his gravestone.  Its devastating to find out after all this time he isn't really here."

Dellaina said her father is a Vietnam veteran and retired research chemist.

"His final wish was to be cremated and then buried at the VA cemetery," said Grundy.  "A wish that is now unfulfilled."

Officials pulled the ashes from the foreclosed home on Philadelphia Drive about a week ago.  The Dayton home had been partially owned by Scherrie McLin, who lost her license to operate McLin Funeral home last year.

The investigation is on-going.  No charges have been filed.