Colorado Funeral Home Owners, Jon Hallford and Carie Hallford Arrested After Discovery of Decaying Bodies

The married proprietors of a Colorado funeral home, where approximately 200 decomposing bodies were purportedly discovered inadequately stored in early October, have been apprehended and charged, as per a press release by the 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office on Wednesday. 

Jon Hallford and Carie Hallford were arrested in Wagoner, Oklahoma, on felony charges including abuse of a corpse, theft, money laundering, and forgery.

The couple owns Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, a small town where the investigation commenced after the Fremont County Sheriff's Office responded to reports of a noxious odor emanating from the premises, as per authorities. 

The release alleges that the Fremont County Sheriff's Office obtained a state warrant to search the facility and found improperly stored bodies, with at least 189 decomposing bodies recovered on October 4, according to the Associated Press and the Colorado Springs Gazette.

Jon reportedly acknowledged the issue at the facility when questioned about the bodies, as stated in an order by state officials on October 5, as reported by Colorado Public Radio. He also allegedly disclosed his involvement in taxidermy at the funeral home, as per the outlet.

Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper, in a prior press statement on October 17, expressed concern for the affected families and emphasized ongoing support efforts. Additionally, Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller underscored the intensive coordination efforts for identification and notification of the deceased's families to prevent further distress during their mourning process.

Regarding claims of fake ashes and inadequate identification tags made by families, authorities have not provided official comments. The funeral home, which commenced operations in 2017, specialized in eco-friendly and natural burial services without the use of embalming fluids, according to the Associated Press.

The 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office announced their intention to review the investigation and file appropriate charges in El Paso County District Court. The initial court appearance for the Hallfords in El Paso County District Court is pending during the extradition process, given their arrest in a different state.

The Hallfords' plea status and legal representation remain undisclosed. Previous attempts by PEOPLE to reach the funeral home were unsuccessful.

The release also encourages individuals who interacted with the Return to Nature Funeral Home between September 2019 and September 2023 to complete the Seeking Victim Information Questionnaire, with a dedicated telephone hotline provided by Fremont County for potentially affected families at (719)-276-7421.

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