The number of bodies discovered at a rural Colorado funeral home has gone up to 189. Initially, investigators found 115 decaying remains due to a bad smell. They’ll inform families in the coming days. It’s uncertain if the additional bodies are also decaying, and the number may change during the investigation.
The Return to Nature Funeral Home, located about 100 miles south of Denver, offers eco-friendly burial services. The bodies were taken to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office. They will start notifying families soon, but it’s unclear how long it will take.
Officials are making sure that the families are informed accurately and not further victimized during their grieving process. The funeral home’s license is suspended by state regulators due to improper storage of human remains, as the owner tried to hide the issue. The owner claimed to practice taxidermy on the property.
Sheriff Cooper mentioned no arrests or charges have been made, and the funeral home owner is cooperating. It’s not clear if there will be any criminal charges as the Colorado Bureau of Investigation hasn’t responded yet.
This funeral home provided “green” burials that are environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional funerals. Law enforcement is urging affected families to fill out a survey.