Grave Injustice: Shocking Negligence Uncovered at Colorado Funeral Home, Leaving 115 Bodies Improperly Stored
An investigation has been launched into a funeral home in southern Colorado, after at least 115 bodies were found to be "improperly stored" following reports of a foul odor coming from the building.
The Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose has been under the scrutiny of state and federal agencies, including the FBI, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and Fremont County authorities, after receiving reports of a repugnant smell coming from the facility.
Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper described the scene as "horrific" and stated that the case is the office's "highest priority." No arrests have been made at this time.
Cooper also mentioned that the funeral home's owners have been cooperative with the investigation so far. However, a search warrant was executed by the Colorado Springs Police on Thursday at the funeral home's location in connection with the Fremont County investigation.
Governor Jared Polis issued a disaster declaration late Thursday night, allowing state resources to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Mark Michalek, the FBI's special agent in charge in Denver, stated during a news conference, "We all have the same questions: Who was impacted? How many people? Who's responsible? And why did it happen?"
A hearse and debris can be seen at the rear of the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, Colo. Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023. (Jerilee Bennett/The Gazette via AP)
Neighbors in the area have reported smelling a putrid odor coming from the funeral home in recent weeks.
The disturbing details emerging from Penrose are reminiscent of past cases involving Colorado funeral homes, such as Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors in Montrose, which was found to be selling body parts for cash without families' permission, and the former Lake County coroner, who was sentenced for unlawful cremation.
In response, Colorado legislators have passed laws with stricter regulations for funeral homes over the years, including making the abuse of a corpse a felony offense.