The owners of a funeral home in Colorado where nearly 200 bodies were found improperly stored are now facing charges.
The 4th Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced the arrests of Jon Hallford and Carrie Hallford in Wagoner, Oklahoma on Wednesday morning on suspicion of committing the crimes of abuse of a corpse, theft, money laundering and forgery.
In early October, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose due to reports of a foul odor. FCSO received a state warrant to search the premises, where they discovered improperly stored bodies. The number of individuals whose remains were located in the funeral home was up to at least 189, according to CBI.
According to the DA, because the Hallfords were arrested in a different state, their first advisement in El Paso County District Court will be determined during the extradition process.
During a news conference held on Wednesday, authorities explained 190 bodies were recovered from the funeral home, 110 have been positively identified and they are working to identify 80 more. The arrest papers are currently sealed as the DA explained the details inside are shocking and they want to protect the investigation.
Governor Jared Polis released a statement following the arrests.
“I am relieved that criminal charges have been brought against the funeral home owner and a criminal investigation is proceeding. I know this will not bring peace to the families impacted by this heart-wrenching incident but we hope the individuals responsible are held fully accountable in a court of law,” said Colorado Governor Jared Polis.