Colorado Funeral Home Director Receives 40-Year Sentence for Corpse Abuse

The recent sentencing of a Colorado funeral home director has shocked many. Jon Hallford, aged 46, received a 40-year prison sentence for corpse abuse, highlighting gross misconduct in the funeral industry.

Background of the Case

The case involves the Return to Nature Funeral Home, based in Colorado Springs. Hallford and his wife, Carie Hallford, aged 49, were the owners. They were arrested on November 8, 2023, following an investigation spurred by a foul odor reported from their facility in Penrose, Colorado. Authorities discovered 189 decomposing bodies improperly stored and two others improperly buried.

Charges and Pleas

• Jon Hallford was facing serious charges of abuse of a corpse, theft, money laundering, and forgery.
• Both Hallfords pleaded guilty in their respective criminal cases in El Paso County.
• Jon Hallford was already serving a 20-year term for federal fraud charges.
• Carie Hallford’s federal sentencing is scheduled for March 16, while her state sentencing is set for April 24.

Sentencing and Reactions

Judge Eric Bentley described the situation as one of extraordinary harm. He emphasized that such lengthy sentences are typically reserved for violent crimes. During the court proceedings, relatives of the deceased expressed their anguish. They described their loved ones’ bodies as being treated like garbage, which led to emotional distress, including PTSD and nightmares.

Derrick Johnson, one affected family member, poignantly stated, “I miss my mom every single day.” He highlighted the profound psychological impact of the Hallfords’ actions on grieving families.

The Nature of the Crimes

The Hallfords allegedly left bodies to decompose for years. Families received urns filled with dust or the remains of unrelated individuals instead of their loved ones. This led to widespread deception and emotional trauma among those seeking closure.

The Funeral Home’s Practices

• The Return to Nature Funeral Home marketed itself as environmentally friendly, offering “green” burials.
• Colorado legalized human composting in 2021, allowing more options for environmentally sensitive burials.
• The Hallfords promoted biodegradable caskets and natural burials without chemicals.

Aftermath and Future Actions

Due to the hazardous conditions discovered at the funeral home, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was called in to address the site. Their involvement underscores the serious public health implications of the Hallfords’ misconduct.

This case serves as a grim reminder of the need for oversight in the funeral industry. Many families are left to grapple with the emotional scars left by the Hallfords’ actions. Their sentencing aims to provide some measure of justice and to ensure accountability within this essential service.