In a shocking turn of events, police are investigating the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, Colorado, after receiving reports of an overpowering foul odor emanating from the premises. The establishment, which prides itself on offering "green" burial services with biodegradable caskets, is now under intense scrutiny following the discovery of hundreds of decaying bodies.
Gruesome Findings
Upon inspection, the authorities found 115 decomposing bodies inside the funeral home's storage facility. Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper described the scene as "horrific." The severity of the situation has necessitated the involvement of coroners from neighboring areas and even the FBI.
Bureau owner accused of improper storage of dead bodies
Jon Hallford, the owner of the funeral home, allegedly tried to cover up the inappropriate storage of corpses by claiming taxidermy operations were conducted at the facility. A state document, issued by the Colorado Office of Funeral Home and Crematory Registration, indicates that Hallford recognized there was a "problem" at the property. Adding to the concerns, it has come to light that the funeral home's registration expired last November.
Identification Process and Family Notifications
With the high number of bodies discovered, the process of identification could be lengthy and complicated. Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller mentioned that the procedure might involve fingerprinting, matching dental or medical records, and even DNA testing, which could span several months. He assured that families would be informed immediately once identifications were made. Authorities have reached out to families who had previously engaged the funeral home's services to assist in the investigations.
FBI's Involvement
To manage the magnitude of the case, the FBI has dispatched specialized teams skilled in processing significant incidents, comparable to major airline disasters. As FBI Special Agent Mark Michalek explained, these units bring additional training and specific equipment to handle such extensive investigations. While the inquiries are ongoing, no arrests or charges have been made yet.
Understanding Green Funerals
With growing environmental concerns, there's been a surge in demand for eco-friendly funeral alternatives. Traditional burial methods can introduce chemicals into the environment, and cremation emits a substantial amount of carbon. Return to Nature Funeral Home offers burials without the use of embalming chemicals or metal caskets, advocating for biodegradable solutions.
Colorado law permits green burials. However, it mandates that bodies not interred within 24 hours be suitably refrigerated – a regulation the funeral home appears to have overlooked.
The rise of environmentally-friendly burial methods is not just limited to the US. Earlier this year, the UK introduced water cremation as an eco-friendly alternative.
Ongoing Investigations
The central question that remains is whether the funeral home's eco-conscious approach influenced its alleged misconduct. As the investigations continue, the community awaits answers and justice for the departed souls and their grieving families.
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