Was Colorado Funeral Home That Hid 190 Bodies Trafficking Human Remains?
Dec 15, 2023, 02:00 PM
What drives someone to treat the deceased with such callous disregard, stacking 190 bodies and deceiving grieving families? This haunting question sets the stage for a recent episode of the "Hidden Killers" podcast, where host Tony Brueski discusses the harrowing case of the 'Return to Nature' funeral home in Colorado with retired FBI Special Agent and Chief of the Counterintelligence Behavioral Analysis Program, Robin Dreeke.
The episode begins with a stark contrast between the expected dignified handling of the deceased and the grim reality discovered at the funeral home. Bodies were haphazardly stored throughout the facility, and families were given urns filled with quickrete, a deceitful act that leaves one baffled. Dreeke, with his extensive background in analyzing criminal behavior, attempted to unpack the motivations behind such a disturbing act.
Dreeke observed, "It's a pattern of shysters and con artists... a deep lack of empathy and edging up high in psychopathy." This insight paints a picture of individuals who see others as mere prey for personal gain. He drew parallels with espionage and serial killer cases he worked on, noting that such criminals often act out of thrill or self-gain, sometimes even without any materialistic desires.
The conversation then shifted to the sustainability of such a heinous act. Brueski questioned the logic behind storing so many bodies, pondering whether there was a darker motive at play. Dreeke speculated on the mental state of the owners, suggesting, "I don't think they're thinking about it at all... there's a lot of other things that are going wrong with them, whether it's some sort of drugs or something else going on."
Discussing the potential involvement of drugs, Dreeke highlighted how substance abuse could inhibit problem-solving abilities, possibly explaining the lack of foresight in the funeral home's operations. He contrasted this case with that of notorious criminals like Ted Bundy, who meticulously planned their crimes, suggesting a significant mental lapse in the funeral home owners' case.
The discussion also touched upon the regulatory aspect of the funeral home industry. Dreeke expressed curiosity about the journey that led the owners to this point, questioning the licensing and certification process in Colorado. He remarked, "I'd be really interested to see that arc and path about how that all happened... It's not just something you do overnight." This point raises concerns about oversight and the ease with which someone can enter this sensitive industry.
Brueski and Dreeke also speculated on the possibility of the case spiraling into something more sinister, like body harvesting or organ trafficking. Dreeke commented, "You don't know what it is... This was an escalation and a journey and a path and an arc that brought them to this point." This speculation adds a layer of complexity to an already disturbing case.
The episode concluded with Dreeke emphasizing the need for stricter regulatory scrutiny in the funeral home industry, given the gravity of the services they provide. He shared insights from his personal experiences, pointing out the typically rigorous nature of the industry and the psychological evaluations involved.
The "Hidden Killers" episode with Robin Dreeke not only sheds light on a specific criminal case but also raises broader questions about human psychology, the lure of greed, and the adequacy of industry regulations. How did the 'Return to Nature' funeral home escape notice for so long, and what does this say about our systems of oversight and accountability? This chilling case serves as a stark reminder of the depths to which individuals can sink, driven by greed and a lack of empathy, and the importance of vigilant regulatory practices to prevent such tragedies.
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The episode begins with a stark contrast between the expected dignified handling of the deceased and the grim reality discovered at the funeral home. Bodies were haphazardly stored throughout the facility, and families were given urns filled with quickrete, a deceitful act that leaves one baffled. Dreeke, with his extensive background in analyzing criminal behavior, attempted to unpack the motivations behind such a disturbing act.
Dreeke observed, "It's a pattern of shysters and con artists... a deep lack of empathy and edging up high in psychopathy." This insight paints a picture of individuals who see others as mere prey for personal gain. He drew parallels with espionage and serial killer cases he worked on, noting that such criminals often act out of thrill or self-gain, sometimes even without any materialistic desires.
The conversation then shifted to the sustainability of such a heinous act. Brueski questioned the logic behind storing so many bodies, pondering whether there was a darker motive at play. Dreeke speculated on the mental state of the owners, suggesting, "I don't think they're thinking about it at all... there's a lot of other things that are going wrong with them, whether it's some sort of drugs or something else going on."
Discussing the potential involvement of drugs, Dreeke highlighted how substance abuse could inhibit problem-solving abilities, possibly explaining the lack of foresight in the funeral home's operations. He contrasted this case with that of notorious criminals like Ted Bundy, who meticulously planned their crimes, suggesting a significant mental lapse in the funeral home owners' case.
The discussion also touched upon the regulatory aspect of the funeral home industry. Dreeke expressed curiosity about the journey that led the owners to this point, questioning the licensing and certification process in Colorado. He remarked, "I'd be really interested to see that arc and path about how that all happened... It's not just something you do overnight." This point raises concerns about oversight and the ease with which someone can enter this sensitive industry.
Brueski and Dreeke also speculated on the possibility of the case spiraling into something more sinister, like body harvesting or organ trafficking. Dreeke commented, "You don't know what it is... This was an escalation and a journey and a path and an arc that brought them to this point." This speculation adds a layer of complexity to an already disturbing case.
The episode concluded with Dreeke emphasizing the need for stricter regulatory scrutiny in the funeral home industry, given the gravity of the services they provide. He shared insights from his personal experiences, pointing out the typically rigorous nature of the industry and the psychological evaluations involved.
The "Hidden Killers" episode with Robin Dreeke not only sheds light on a specific criminal case but also raises broader questions about human psychology, the lure of greed, and the adequacy of industry regulations. How did the 'Return to Nature' funeral home escape notice for so long, and what does this say about our systems of oversight and accountability? This chilling case serves as a stark reminder of the depths to which individuals can sink, driven by greed and a lack of empathy, and the importance of vigilant regulatory practices to prevent such tragedies.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com