Click here for updates on this story

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama ( WVTM ) -- Families of inmates who died in prison are accusing the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) of using their loved ones' organs for research without permission, and a lawsuit against the university is moving forward after a judge denied UAB's motion to dismiss.

Marion Harrell, whose brother Matthew Harrell died unexpectedly while serving time at the Federal Correctional Institution in Talladega, expressed her outrage over the situation. "What was done to Matthew was barbaric. It was a nefarious act. And it shouldn't have happened," she said.

Matthew Harrell's death prompted the prison warden to order a full autopsy without the family's consent. Marion Harrell recalled the moment her family was informed of his dea

See Full Page