A local family's grief continues to haunt them following a fatal fire because the victim's relatives said they are still waiting to be able to bury their loved one who died a month ago.

"We actually went to the funeral home to make arrangements. Now we are just waiting for my uncle's body," said Winston Bernal.

The body is still at the D.C. Medical Examiner's office on month after the tragic death, according to the Bernal family. On May 9th, fire engulfed a ground floor apartment on 3th Place Southeast. Neighbors rushed to try to save the person inside.

"I know it was my brother because he was the only one who lived in the apartment and he was a heavy smoker," said D'Artist Bernal.
According to the family, a neighbor who lived across the street said when she was putting her blinds down, she saw their uncle sitting on the bed. Winston Bernal and his mother C'Artis said they are certain they know the person who died in that apartment that night. They claim it was C'Artis' brother and Winston's uncle William West. They are certain, but the D.C. Medical Examiner's Office is not. The body has yet to be positively identified.

"It shouldn't have taken that long. If it is a member of the mayor or a councilmember's family, they would jump right on it."

Bernal said he called the mayor's office and several councilmembers, but no one returned his calls. The family has talked a nearly 12 times with the Medical Examiner's Office. Bernal said they told him they are trying to match dental records and body x-rays are are waiting for documents.

"We want to bring closure for my brother. We want him to at least have a proper memorial service," said D'Artis.

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