Accusations of Deception and Corpse Abuse Rock Grieving Families Across Colorado
The husband-and-wife team behind Return to Nature Funeral Home are expected to enter guilty pleas on Friday following accusations of leaving 190 bodies to decompose in a room-temperature facility and deceiving grieving families with fake ashes. Jon and Carie Hallford face hundreds of charges related to corpse abuse, theft, forgery, and money laundering after allegedly using dry concrete as fake cremains in a scheme dating back to 2019.
Charges of Corpse Abuse and Fraud
The couple’s alleged misconduct came to light in 2022 after neighbors complained of a foul odor emanating from a building owned by Return to Nature in Penrose, Colorado. Upon investigation, authorities discovered decomposing bodies stacked within the premises, swarmed by insects and severely decayed. Responders required hazmat suits due to the hazardous conditions inside, spending only brief intervals inside before undergoing thorough decontamination procedures.
Families Left Devastated by Fake Cremains
As per court records, families were led to believe they had received the remains of their loved ones. Some spread the provided ashes at cherished locations or even took the urns on meaningful journeys. The Hallfords promoted Return to Nature as a “green” burial service, offering biodegradable and eco-friendly options that appealed to many. However, families were horrified to learn they had been misled, holding memories that were anchored by what turned out to be falsehoods.
One family member expressed, “What we thought was a final tribute has been stripped of its meaning — we feel robbed of the closure we thought we’d found.”
Extravagant Spending and Financial Mismanagement
Prosecutors allege the Hallfords misused nearly $900,000 in pandemic relief funds meant for their business, using the money on personal luxuries such as expensive cars, vacations, laser body sculpting, and cryptocurrency investments. The couple also allegedly used clients’ funds to maintain their lavish lifestyle, despite their business facing mounting debts.
Last month, the Hallfords accepted a federal plea deal admitting to defrauding customers and the government. They face additional charges in state court for abuse of a corpse, theft, forgery, and money laundering.
Awaiting Justice
With Friday’s hearing approaching, families are left to process the betrayal and emotional toll inflicted by a service meant to honor loved ones. The Hallfords’ expected guilty plea will bring some closure to affected families, but the long-lasting effects on their mourning and trust in the system may linger.
