Police find at least 115 bodies at Colorado ‘green’ funeral home under investigation

21

Law enforcement authorities in Colorado have made a startling discovery during their investigation into the operations of the ‘green’ funeral home, Return to Nature Funeral Home, located in Penrose, Colorado. According to Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper, they have found at least 115 bodies at this facility, which is currently under scrutiny for alleged improper handling of human remains.

The funeral home, known for its eco-friendly approach to burials, conducted ‘green’ burials without using embalming chemicals or metal caskets. This investigative focus arose after local residents reported an offensive odor emanating from the funeral home building.

The investigation began when deputies were called to the single-story building on Tuesday night following a suspicious incident. Subsequently, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office investigators obtained a search warrant and returned the next day, where they discovered the bodies improperly stored on the premises.

During a press conference, authorities stated that they believe there is currently no health risk to the public. However, they refrained from providing detailed descriptions of the scene inside the 2,500-square-foot facility adjacent to the town’s post office.

The FBI is also involved in the investigation, with spokeswoman Vikki Migoya emphasizing that it’s unclear whether a crime has been committed, and this remains a focal point of the state and federal-level inquiry.

Cooperation between investigators and the funeral home operators has been ongoing, Sheriff Cooper noted.

Penrose, with a population of about 3,000, has been disrupted by the unfolding events. Trash bags and law enforcement vehicles surround the funeral home building, while police tape cordon blocks off the area. The foul odor that has permeated the vicinity has added to the disquiet.

Under Colorado law, green burials are permissible, but regulations dictate that any body not buried within 24 hours must be properly refrigerated. It’s worth noting that Return to Nature Funeral Home advertised itself as offering ‘natural burials’ without embalming fluids or concrete vaults, aligning with their commitment to eco-conscious practices. The company charges $1,895 for a “natural burial,” excluding the cost of a casket and cemetery space.

Local residents, such as Joyce Pavetti, had noticed the unpleasant smell in recent weeks but assumed it was from a deceased animal. However, increased law enforcement activity in the area raised suspicions.

The funeral home has been serving the community for six years and offers burial of non-embalmed bodies in biodegradable caskets or shrouds, as well as cremation services that prioritize eco-friendliness.

Property records indicate that the funeral home building and lot are owned by Hallfordhomes, LLC, a business that has recently faced administrative issues. The Colorado Secretary of State declared it delinquent for failing to file a required reporting form. The LLC’s property taxes for 2022 remain unpaid.

This unfolding investigation into the Return to Nature Funeral Home has raised questions about the handling of human remains and the adherence to eco-friendly burial practices. Authorities are diligently working to uncover the facts surrounding this unusual and concerning situation.

(Note: This response has been paraphrased and expanded upon based on the provided text.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Funeral Home Investigation

More about Funeral Home Investigation

• CNN: Police find at least 115 bodies at Colorado ‘green’ funeral home under investigation
• Return to Nature Funeral Home
• Colorado State Law on Green Burials
• Fremont County Property Records
• FBI