Share this @internewscast.com

PENROSE, Colo. — Multiple Colorado agencies, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), are looking into the alleged improper storage of more than 115 human bodies at the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, located 33 miles south of Colorado Springs.

The investigation began after neighbors reported a foul odor in the area, Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper said during a news conference Friday morning. Investigators entered the 2,500-square-foot building Wednesday and made the “horrific” discovery.

Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller said the bodies were improperly stored and created a hazardous scene. Investigators worked late into the night Thursday to determine the “scope of the scene,” Cooper said. Officials declined to provide details about what they found.

Our sister station in Colorado Springs, KOAA-TV, reports a deputy coroner had to be treated for a rash after entering the funeral home.

Investigators reveal 115 bodies found stored at funeral home

Cooper said the first priority is to mitigate the hazards at the funeral home. Once that is complete, investigators will then work to identify the decedents and contact their next of kin. Law enforcement has asked for trucks, tents and fencing in order to keep the process out of public view.

Keller said the identification and notification process could take “several months” due to the number of dead.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued a verbal disaster declaration Thursday, Cooper told the media, which will allow local authorities access to state resources.

Local law enforcement is working with the 11th Judicial District Attorney’s Office do determine if any wrongdoing occurred.

The FBI is conducting a parallel investigation to determine if any federal laws were broken. Special Agent In Charge Mark Michalek said several response teams, including experts from the laboratory division of the FBI’s headquarters in Quantico, Va., are deploying to the area to provide assistance.

Return to Nature advertises itself as a “green” funeral home, meaning it does not use embalming fluid or “unnatural items,” according to its website. The funeral home stopped offering cremation services in July 2023, the website states.

Under Colorado law, green burials are legal but state code requires that any body not buried within 24 hours must be properly refrigerated, the Associated Press reports.

The funeral home is owned by Jon Hallford and his wife, Carey. The business is based out of Colorado Springs.

State records show Jon previously “attempted to conceal the improper storage of human remains,” KOAA reports. He told Zen Mayhugh, the Colorado program director of the Office of Funeral Home and Crematory Registration, he practiced taxidermy at the property, according to KOAA.

Law enforcement has set up a family crisis center at 1901 East Main Street in Cañon City. Families impacted by the investigation at Return to Nature can talk with victim advocates between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day. Families can also call Fremont Emergency Management at 719-276-7421 or email 23-1941@fremontso.com.


D7 follow up bar 2460x400FINAL.png

What do you want Denver7 to follow up on? Is there a story, topic or issue you want us to revisit? Let us know with the contact form below.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Gainesville Drama: Woman Arrested for Car Burglary Amidst Street Brawl

Staff Article GAINESVILLE, Fla. – In the early hours today, 21-year-old Ivette…

Tragic Death of Malnourished Boy Leads to Arrest of Mother and Police Officer Stepfather in Shocking Abuse Case

Insets from left: Destiny Dionne and Joshua Latimer (Oconee County Jail) and…

Levy County Incident: Gainesville Man Faces Arrest for Alleged Gun Threat

By Staff Writer GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have detained William Leo King,…

Louvre Museum Shuts Doors Due to Unprecedented Robbery Incident

The world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris is closed for the day after…

Tragic Discovery: Coroner Uncovers Disturbing Living Conditions of Woman with MS

Authorities in Pittsburgh found 44-year-old Elizabeth Fike dead living in filth in…

Trio Faces Charges Following Burglary Incident in South-East Melbourne

Three men have been charged following a daring robbery involving stolen vehicles…

Shocking Crime: Man Assaults and Kidnaps Ex After Receiving Homemade Meal

Left inset: Christopher Collins. Right inset: Jesserae Beck (Lincoln Police Department). Background:…

Oregon Man Found Guilty in Fatal Stabbing of Mail Carrier

Left: Chad Westover (Clackamas County Sheriff”s Office). Right: Tristan Thomas (GoFundMe). Inset:…

Urgent Update: Discovery of Female Remains in Woods Intensifies Search Efforts for Missing Kada Scott

Authorities have reportedly uncovered human remains on Saturday during the ongoing investigation…

Tragic Incident: Sailor Fatally Shot While Attempting to Mediate Dispute Between Spouses

Left: Nildaliz Arline Flores-Roman (Norfolk police). Right: Katrina Anderson (Joshua Mortuary). A…

District Attorney Reports 5-Month-Old’s Skull Fractured in Alleged Assault by Mother’s Boyfriend

Left inset: Glenn McIntosh (Franklin County Jail). Right inset: Ameira Reynolds (GoFundMe).…