Investigation continues into funeral home for improper storage of bodies, customers asked to contact Fremont County Sheriff’s Office

FREMONT COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) - 13 Investigates has learned the investigation surrounding a Penrose funeral home has to do with the improper storage of human remains. According to a high-level law enforcement source, at least three bodies were found improperly stored inside a building listed as Return to Nature Funeral Home.

Sources tell 13 Investigates there might be more bodies, but this is still a very early and active investigation. It's unclear how long those bodies may have been improperly stored inside. 

A 13 Investigates crew on scene Thursday could smell a foul odor coming from the backside of the former funeral home. People who work at nearby businesses reported smelling the odor last night up to .3 miles away. The crime scene includes a command center with emergency managers. 

The Fremont County Sheriff's Office confirmed in a release Thursday afternoon that the investigation centers around improperly stored human remains at the funeral home.

The sheriff's office is also asking family members of decedents who utilized the Return to Nature Funeral Home to send an email to 23-1941@fremontso.com. They are asked to leave their best contact number and a time to call back in this email. The sheriff's office said they will respond to each email. If you do not use email, you can contact the Fremont Emergency Management call line at (719)-276-7421. Victims’ assistance personnel will be responding to messages beginning October 6, 2023, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Victims' assistance personnel will also be available at 1901 East Main St. in Canon City between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., the sheriff's office said in its release.

13 Investigates learned Thursday that there was a question among law enforcement about jurisdiction between the Fremont County Sheriff's Office and the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). DORA regulates the funeral home industry in our state. We reached out to DORA for comment but have not yet heard back. In its release Thursday, the sheriff's office said they along with DORA, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the Colorado Department of Public Health, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are all working together on the case.

Wednesday night, there was a large scene of multiple agencies outside of the property.

The Fremont County Sheriff's Office said in its release that no further information can be released at this time but a press conference will be held at the sheriff's office at 10 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 6.

The website for the funeral home is still active online.

This is a developing story. 13 Investigates is working to gather more information.