The subject of HBO’s critically acclaimed docuseries, The Mortician, has sparked intense discussions after admitting on screen that there are “three things altogether” that “can’t come back.” This cryptic statement is particularly chilling, especially as it follows the docuseries' exploration of several deaths for which he was suspected of being responsible. Among these is the case of a rival mortuary owner, whose suspicious demise led to a failed attempt to prosecute him on murder charges.
David Sconce’s haunting comments in the show’s third and final episode have raised eyebrows, clearly implying that serious crimes may have been committed. Director Joshua Rofé expressed his concerns in an interview with the Guardian, stating, “If there is a prosecutor out there who deems it fit, who thinks there is enough to even go by, then great. They should do it.” This statement underscores the gravity of Sconce's implications and the potential for legal consequences.
The sequence of events in The Mortician draws stark comparisons to the conclusion of the 2015 HBO documentary, The Jinx. In that series, the late Robert Durst was overheard confessing to killing multiple people, a revelation that ultimately led to his conviction for murder. The chilling parallels raise questions about the potential impact of Sconce’s statements on future legal actions.
David Sconce’s family-owned Lamb funeral home in Pasadena, California, became notorious in the 1980s for its involvement in illegal mass cremations. The docuseries revisits the tumultuous criminal case against Sconce and his mortuary, which included grave accusations such as stealing and selling corpses’ gold jewelry and dental fillings, delivering fake ashes to grieving families, and plotting violence against competitors.
One of the most notorious cases discussed involves Timothy Waters, a competitor who prosecutors claimed died in 1985 after ingesting oleander, allegedly poisoned by Sconce. However, investigators found no traces of oleander in Waters’ tissue, leading to the dismissal of the murder charges against Sconce in 1991. Sconce's attorney, Roger Diamond, stated in archival footage, “No oleander – nothing, zero, zippo. The man died of a heart attack.” Sconce himself maintained his innocence, asserting, “I always knew I’d walk out.”
In a stunning twist, toxicology professor Jack Henion from Cornell University, who served as a court expert on the Waters case, suggests that the absence of an oleander derivative does not rule out poisoning. He speculates that Sconce may have escaped justice, stating, “Such a substance is unstable and may have broken down to undetectable levels.” Henion adds that circumstantial evidence points towards Sconce’s guilt, including his possession of a book detailing oleander poisoning.
The docuseries also sheds light on the mysterious death of Ron Jordan, an employee of Sconce, who was found hanged after expressing a desire to quit. Although investigators ruled it a suicide, Sconce acknowledges that some believed he may have been involved, questioning the motive behind such an act. “Why would I want to kill him? Seriously?” he asks rhetorically.
As The Mortician approaches its conclusion, Sconce shares a chilling anecdote about a man who robbed him at gunpoint. His cryptic hints about unresolved matters leave viewers questioning the extent of his involvement in criminal activities. “It’s one of the things I can’t talk about. The other thing I’ll tell you about, too, but you can’t talk about that either,” he reveals, suggesting a deeper layer of secrets.
Rofé’s reflections on Sconce’s revelations suggest a complex character whose true nature is unveiled in fleeting moments. “In one moment, when his guard drops, he shows you exactly who he really is,” Rofé states, emphasizing the desire for justice for those who may have been victimized. The series leaves audiences pondering the legacy of Sconce and the shadows of the past that continue to loom over the mortuary industry.
