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Colorado Funeral Home Under Scrutiny After Concerns Raised by Coroner Go Unanswered
2024-02-19
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Return to Nature Funeral Home finds itself at the center of controversy after the revelation that concerns raised by the Fremont County Coroner about the facility's conditions in 2020 went unanswered. The development sheds light on alleged improper practices at the funeral home, leading to legal ramifications for its co-owners.
Arrest documents unveiled shocking details, indicating that co-owners Jon and Carie Hallford are accused of improperly storing 190 bodies inside the funeral home. Investigators uncovered distressing scenes, with some bodies left to decay for years and others found without proper covering.
The ordeal began when subcontractors, on behalf of the Fremont County Coroner's Office, entered the funeral home premises in Penrose and reported alarming conditions to Coroner Randy Keller in May 2020. Disturbed by what they witnessed, employees raised concerns about bodies being stored on the floor instead of on proper tables or cots, along with issues regarding refrigeration.
Coroner Keller, in response to the distressing findings, took proactive measures by alerting the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) via email about the concerns. However, the coroner's office expressed frustration as they received no response from DORA, leaving them uncertain about the appropriate course of action.
A spokesperson for DORA confirmed the receipt of Coroner Keller's email, clarifying that the agency lacked the authority to inspect funeral homes until 2022, following the passage of legislation granting inspection powers. However, the lack of communication left unanswered questions about how to address the reported violations.
When contacted for further details, Coroner Keller cited a gag order preventing him from commenting on the case, underscoring the complexities surrounding the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency has announced plans for the demolition of the funeral home by the last week of February, signaling an end to the facility's troubled history.
As the legal proceedings unfold, co-owners Jon and Carie Hallford are scheduled to appear in court for separate arraignment hearings on March 21. Fourth Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen anticipates pleas of not guilty from the accused, who face a staggering 260 felony counts.
The unfolding saga underscores the importance of regulatory oversight and swift responses to concerns raised about the treatment of deceased individuals, ensuring dignity and respect even in death.
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Arrest documents unveiled shocking details, indicating that co-owners Jon and Carie Hallford are accused of improperly storing 190 bodies inside the funeral home. Investigators uncovered distressing scenes, with some bodies left to decay for years and others found without proper covering.
The ordeal began when subcontractors, on behalf of the Fremont County Coroner's Office, entered the funeral home premises in Penrose and reported alarming conditions to Coroner Randy Keller in May 2020. Disturbed by what they witnessed, employees raised concerns about bodies being stored on the floor instead of on proper tables or cots, along with issues regarding refrigeration.
Coroner Keller, in response to the distressing findings, took proactive measures by alerting the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) via email about the concerns. However, the coroner's office expressed frustration as they received no response from DORA, leaving them uncertain about the appropriate course of action.
A spokesperson for DORA confirmed the receipt of Coroner Keller's email, clarifying that the agency lacked the authority to inspect funeral homes until 2022, following the passage of legislation granting inspection powers. However, the lack of communication left unanswered questions about how to address the reported violations.
When contacted for further details, Coroner Keller cited a gag order preventing him from commenting on the case, underscoring the complexities surrounding the investigation.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency has announced plans for the demolition of the funeral home by the last week of February, signaling an end to the facility's troubled history.
As the legal proceedings unfold, co-owners Jon and Carie Hallford are scheduled to appear in court for separate arraignment hearings on March 21. Fourth Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen anticipates pleas of not guilty from the accused, who face a staggering 260 felony counts.
The unfolding saga underscores the importance of regulatory oversight and swift responses to concerns raised about the treatment of deceased individuals, ensuring dignity and respect even in death.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
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