Colorado 'green' funeral home under investigation after 'disturbing discovery' of over 115 decaying bodies

Investigation Discovers Over 115 Unattended Bodies at Colorado's "Green" Funeral Home

Perturbing Sight at Return to Nature Funeral Home

The "green" funeral facility Return to Nature Funeral Home located in Fremont County, Colorado, has been subjected to a rigorous investigation following the chilling uncovering of over 115 decomposing bodies. This unsettling news was confirmed by the Fremont County Sheriff's Department this past Friday.

Placed just west of Colorado Springs, the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose is being indicted for mishandling bodies within its 2,500-square-foot establishment, according to the sheriff's department. Incredibly, the alarming situation was divulged after reports of an unbearable stench emanating from the facility, prompting deputies to respond.

Unraveling the Horrors Inside

Last Thursday, search warrants were deployed by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies and the Fremont County Coroner's Office. Both of these groups have jurisdiction over the oversight of funeral homes within the state. In a press conference, Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper described the scene as "horrific", while carefully avoiding providing specific details that could further traumatize involved families.

The owner of the green burial center, Jon Hallford, received a suspension letter. Notably, the funeral home under scrutiny specializes in environmentally-friendly burials, which avoids using embalming chemicals. In an unexpected turn of events, Hallford alleged he was conducting taxidermy inside the facility. He also hinted at a recurring "problem" on the premises, without providing any substantial explanation.

Implications and Outcomes

The document depicting the charges against Hallford has suggested that he might have made significant efforts to conceal the extent of the mismanagement of the bodies. Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller has asserted that due to the grim quantity of bodies found and the need for their official identification, the investigation could extend for several months.

Keller guaranteed that the bodies would be treated with the utmost dignity and respect, and expressed sympathies to those affected by the distressing circumstances. The officials will resort to DNA testing, medical or dental records, and fingerprints to accurately determine identities. Keller also mentioned that the county has declared a disaster in hopes of receiving additional state funds to aid the endeavor.

In an attempt to help the investigation, the sheriff's department has sought help from families who had utilized the services of the funeral home. Despite several attempts, no comments have been received from the sheriff's office, state Department of Regulatory Agencies, or the funeral home as of yet.