COLORADO ‘GREEN’ FUNERAL HOME UNDER INVESTIGATION AFTER DISCOVERY OF ADDITIONAL DECAYING BODIES
Authorities in Colorado have made a disturbing discovery at a “green” funeral home, with more decaying bodies found than initially reported. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation revealed that the number of bodies found at the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose has now risen to “at least 189,” up from the initial count of 115 bodies reported two weeks ago.
Teams from the Bureau of Investigation have been working to remove the bodies and transport them to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office for further investigation. However, authorities have noted that the total number of bodies found may change as the identification and investigative processes continue.
The funeral home is known for performing “green” burials, which do not involve embalming chemicals or metal caskets. However, authorities are now investigating the improper storage of human remains at the facility. The bodies were found after authorities responded to a report of a foul smell coming from the funeral home.
This disturbing discovery has launched phase two of the investigation, which involves confirming the identification of the corpses and contacting family members. Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller has emphasized the importance of providing accurate information to the families to prevent further victimization as they grieve their loved ones.
The funeral home’s owner, Jon Hallford, has been facing legal troubles, including missing tax payments and eviction from one of his properties. The business also had a lawsuit filed against it by a local crematory for unpaid bills. It is alleged that Hallford attempted to conceal the mishandling of corpses at the funeral home.
Under Colorado law, green burials are legal, but proper refrigeration is required if a body is not buried within 24 hours. The Fremont County Sheriff’s Department has accused the Return to Nature Funeral Home of improperly storing bodies and is investigating possible misconduct by Hallford.
Authorities have not provided further details on the condition of the bodies or the reasons behind their improper storage.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the sheriff’s office, the state Department of Regulatory Agencies, and the funeral home for comment on the situation. The investigation is ongoing.
This article includes reporting from Fox News Digital’s Brie Stimson and The Associated Press.