Return To Nature Funeral Home's 190 Body Inventory from Hell

What kind of person could coldly stack 190 bodies in a funeral home, deceiving grieving families in the process? This unsettling query sets the stage for a gripping episode of "Hidden Killers," where host Tony Brueski and psychotherapist and author Shavaun Scott delve into the shocking case of the 'Return to Nature' funeral home in Colorado.

The episode opens with a stark contrast between the serene image invoked by the funeral home's name and the grim reality of its operations. Bodies were carelessly stored in various parts of the building, a fact that astounded Brueski, especially considering the limited space. This gruesome discovery raises significant questions about oversight in Colorado's funeral home industry.

Shavaun Scott, attempting to dissect the psychology behind such actions, expressed her bewilderment. "The first thing I did is look up the mug shots of these people... and they look completely normal," she said, highlighting a common misconception that abnormal behavior is always accompanied by a distinct appearance. This case challenges that notion, as the couple appeared ordinary despite their heinous actions.

The discussion then turned to the logistics of managing such an operation, particularly the overwhelming odor that eventually led to their exposure. "You wonder how they managed the odor because that's how ultimately they were turned in," Brueski noted. The practical implications of the situation, including the toxic and hazardous environment it created, were baffling to both the host and the expert.

Scott pondered the mental state of the individuals responsible, initially suspecting severe mental illness or drug problems. However, she admitted, "This one has me stumped. It's weird." Her expertise in human behavior left her searching for answers in a case that seemed to defy logic.

Brueski and Scott also discussed the profound impact of the scandal on the families involved. "This is a huge trauma for them... it's part of the grieving process to have your loved one's remains," Scott explained, emphasizing the deep emotional significance of this betrayal. The realization that the ashes handed over were merely cement dust added an extra layer of horror to the already appalling situation.

The conversation evolved into a broader analysis of possible mental or personality disorders that could have enabled the couple to commit such an act. Scott speculated on the complex interplay of factors that might have led to this scenario, hinting at the possibility of an underlying mental illness, despite their normal appearance. "Is it a case of a whole bunch of weird things? Likely a whole bunch of weird things together because this is so strange," she remarked, suggesting that the case's uniqueness defies simple explanations.

Brueski ended the episode by reflecting on the potential for this story to be adapted into a book or a movie, though he expressed reservations about the nature of such a portrayal. Scott concurred, acknowledging the bizarre and disturbing nature of the case, which stands out even among the myriad of strange cases she has encountered.

The 'Return to Nature' funeral home scandal, as explored in "Hidden Killers," not only sheds light on a specific criminal case but also raises profound questions about human psychology and morality. How can someone seemingly ordinary commit such extraordinary atrocities? And what mechanisms in our society failed to detect and prevent such a gross violation of trust and decency? This chilling case serves as a stark reminder of the complexity of human behavior and the importance of vigilance and regulatory oversight in sensitive industries.

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Release date

Lydbog: 15. december 2023