Penrose, Colorado – November 5, 2025 – A Colorado judge has rejected a plea deal for Carie Hallford, the owner of Return to Nature Funeral Home, who is facing charges related to the discovery of nearly 190 decaying bodies stashed in a bug-infested building. The case has shocked the community, and family members of the deceased have voiced their outrage over what they describe as a lenient proposed sentence.
What Happened
Carie Hallford, along with her husband Jon Hallford, owned the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, Colorado, between 2019 and 2023. The couple has been accused of improperly handling the remains of nearly 190 individuals, including storing their bodies in unsanitary and unsafe conditions.
The disturbing discovery of decaying bodies led to charges of corpse abuse against both Carie and Jon Hallford, who had allegedly defrauded grieving families by providing fake ashes in place of their loved ones’ remains. Further investigations revealed that the Hallfords also defrauded the federal government of nearly $900,000.
While Carie and Jon Hallford had pleaded guilty to 191 counts of corpse abuse, the proposed plea deal of 15 to 20 years in prison was met with backlash from family members of the victims. The families argued that the sentence was far too lenient given the severity of the crimes, with some advocating for up to 200 years in prison — one year for each body uncovered.
On November 5, 2025, Judge Eric Bentley rejected the plea deal, stating that it did not adequately address the harm caused by the Hallfords’ actions. Carie Hallford subsequently withdrew her guilty plea, potentially opening the door for a more severe sentence or a full trial. Meanwhile, Jon Hallford had already withdrawn his plea and is set to face trial.
Who Was Carie Hallford?
Carie Hallford, age 45, was a businesswoman and funeral home owner based in Penrose, Colorado. Together with her husband Jon, she ran Return to Nature Funeral Home, a facility that allegedly violated the trust of grieving families. The Hallfords have now become infamous for their roles in one of the most shocking funeral home scandals in Colorado’s history.
The couple’s actions were uncovered after an investigation prompted by complaints from families and reports from employees. The scandal has drawn widespread attention, with many expressing disbelief over the unethical and illegal practices carried out by the Hallfords. Carie Hallford, who was trusted by families to handle the remains of their loved ones, faces a long road ahead in the courts.
Career and Legal Case Details
Carie and Jon Hallford have been charged with 191 counts of corpse abuse, as well as multiple counts of fraud. The Hallfords are accused of disposing of bodies improperly, misrepresenting the remains of deceased individuals, and engaging in a fraudulent scheme to steal from both families and the government. Their actions have sparked outrage and deep sorrow among the affected families, many of whom are still seeking justice.
The case has highlighted significant gaps in oversight within the funeral home industry, prompting calls for stronger regulations and more stringent checks on funeral service providers.
Public and Social Media Reactions
The case has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, where many people have expressed shock and anger at the Hallfords’ actions. Family members of the victims have used social media platforms to share their stories and demand harsher penalties for the couple. Many are asking for transparency in the legal process and calling for the maximum possible punishment.
“This is beyond words. My family trusted them with the remains of my loved one, and we’ve been betrayed,” one family member wrote on social media. “I hope justice is served and they receive the full consequences of their actions.”
The hashtag #JusticeForTheDeceased has been used by many to rally support for the families affected by the scandal.
What Happens Next
With the plea deal rejected, Carie Hallford now faces the possibility of a trial, where she may face more severe charges. Jon Hallford has already withdrawn his plea and will also go to trial. The case is still under investigation, with the families of the victims pushing for further accountability.
In a statement, the victims’ families expressed their desire for a thorough and fair legal process. “We want justice for the families and for all the loved ones who were disrespected by these actions,” one spokesperson said.
As the legal process unfolds, the community remains on edge, hoping for closure and justice for those who were harmed by the Hallfords’ actions.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
