EPA Postpones Demolition of Funeral Home with Improperly Stored Bodies, Second Owner Released from Jail
Mar 01, 11:00 AM
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a further delay in the demolition of the Return to Nature Funeral Home located in Penrose, Colorado, where nearly 200 bodies were found to be improperly stored. Initially scheduled for this week, the demolition has been postponed due to logistical issues surrounding landfill access, as confirmed by EPA officials.
According to the EPA's statement released on February 27, 2024, the delay stems from pending logistical issues regarding landfill access. The EPA, in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Fremont County, awaits a minor modification to the preferred landfill’s ‘Certificate of Designation’ to proceed with the demolition.
"We regret this unfortunate delay and stand ready to initiate the demolition as soon as possible," stated EPA officials. "We will continue to work diligently together to move forward and are committed to initiating demolition and removal of the building once landfill access is secured."
This delay marks another setback in the ongoing saga surrounding the Return to Nature Funeral Home, which came under scrutiny after Fremont County deputies responded to numerous community complaints about a foul odor emanating from the premises. Upon investigation, authorities discovered nearly 200 bodies stacked inside, some of which had been deceased for several years. Families, who had entrusted the funeral home with their loved ones, were misled into believing that proper burial arrangements had been made.
In a related development, Carie Hallford, the second owner of the funeral home, has been released from the El Paso County Jail. Hallford, who had been incarcerated since November following her arrest alongside Jon Hallford in Oklahoma and subsequent extradition to El Paso County, bonded out of jail on Tuesday night at 8:41, as confirmed by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
Jon Hallford, the other owner, had been released on bond in January. The Hallfords face hundreds of charges in connection with the improper storage of bodies. They are expected to appear in court on March 21 for further proceedings.
The community awaits further updates as authorities work to address the logistical hurdles delaying the demolition and continue to pursue justice in this disturbing case.
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According to the EPA's statement released on February 27, 2024, the delay stems from pending logistical issues regarding landfill access. The EPA, in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) and Fremont County, awaits a minor modification to the preferred landfill’s ‘Certificate of Designation’ to proceed with the demolition.
"We regret this unfortunate delay and stand ready to initiate the demolition as soon as possible," stated EPA officials. "We will continue to work diligently together to move forward and are committed to initiating demolition and removal of the building once landfill access is secured."
This delay marks another setback in the ongoing saga surrounding the Return to Nature Funeral Home, which came under scrutiny after Fremont County deputies responded to numerous community complaints about a foul odor emanating from the premises. Upon investigation, authorities discovered nearly 200 bodies stacked inside, some of which had been deceased for several years. Families, who had entrusted the funeral home with their loved ones, were misled into believing that proper burial arrangements had been made.
In a related development, Carie Hallford, the second owner of the funeral home, has been released from the El Paso County Jail. Hallford, who had been incarcerated since November following her arrest alongside Jon Hallford in Oklahoma and subsequent extradition to El Paso County, bonded out of jail on Tuesday night at 8:41, as confirmed by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
Jon Hallford, the other owner, had been released on bond in January. The Hallfords face hundreds of charges in connection with the improper storage of bodies. They are expected to appear in court on March 21 for further proceedings.
The community awaits further updates as authorities work to address the logistical hurdles delaying the demolition and continue to pursue justice in this disturbing case.
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