After 190 bodies found rotting, funeral home owners ordered to pay $950M

A Colorado judge has ordered Jon and Carie Hallford, owners of the Return to Nature Funeral Home, to pay over $950 million in a civil class-action lawsuit after 190 bodies were discovered improperly stored in their facility. The Hallfords allegedly provided grieving families with urns containing fake ashes and failed to deliver promised cremation and burial services, despite collecting over $130,000 in payments. The case was prompted by complaints from local residents about a foul odor emanating from the funeral home, leading to a comprehensive investigation involving local, state, and federal authorities, including the FBI. The couple faces numerous criminal charges, including abuse of a corpse and wire fraud, and could face significant prison time if convicted. A plea deal was offered to the Hallfords, but affected families expressed dissatisfaction with the terms. The $950 million judgment is largely symbolic, as the Hallfords are unlikely to have the funds to pay. Families affected by the Hallfords' actions have expressed frustration over the lack of accountability and the inability to confront the couple in court.

- Jon and Carie Hallford ordered to pay $950 million for funeral home fraud.

- 190 bodies found improperly stored at their facility in Colorado.

- The couple faces hundreds of criminal charges, including abuse of a corpse.

- Affected families are frustrated by the symbolic nature of the financial judgment.

- The Hallfords may face significant prison time if convicted on federal charges.