Podcasts about sunset mesa

Megan Hess was the owner and funeral director of Sunset Mesa Funeral Home in Montrose, Colorado. She was viewed as a pillar in her community - always donating her time and money to nursing homes, hospice centers, and local law enforcement. Megan knew that planning a funeral is one of the hardest things people will have to do, so her goal was to make it as simple and as profitable as possible. That's why Sunset Mesa handled catering, flowers, and even had an event space on the grounds. But Megan took it too far - providing services that were not asked of her - traumatizing an entire town in the process.

Sunset Mesa Funeral Home was a trusted business for bereaved residents in Montrose, Colorado. Director Megan Hess smooth-talked family members and offered steep discounts on cremations for those who donated their bodies to science. But the community was shocked when it learned the ashes in their urns were not those of their loved ones. Investigators discovered customers were being misled as to how their remains would be used. Hess was getting rich in the shadowy world of body dealing. In the backroom, she was dismembering heads and limbs to be illegally sold to medical companies for research.From Sony Music Entertainment, Campside Media and Black Bar Mitzvah, comes “Cover Up: Body Brokers.” The podcast recounts how Hess and her mother harvested body parts from their funeral home while giving families cremains from a mixed pile of ashes. Host Ashley Fantz talks to investigators, Sunset Mesa employees, and loved ones affected by the scam. OUR SPOILER-FREE REVIEWS OF "COVER UP: BODY BROKERS" BEGIN IN THE FINAL 11 MINUTES OF THE EPISODE.In Crime of the Week: By any other name. For exclusive podcasts and more, sign up at Patreon.Sign up for our newsletter at crimewriterson.com

The FBI comes to Sunset Mesa, and Shirley does something no one sees coming. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that's all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscribe' on the top of the Cover Up: Body Brokers show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you get your podcasts. A Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Real life former body broker Philip Guyett takes us inside the murky world where people buy and sell body parts for money. A reporter's questions spark an investigation into Sunset Mesa. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that's all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscribe' on the top of the Cover Up: Body Brokers show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you get your podcasts. A Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A look into Megan's first funeral home job and her early years. Who is Shirley Koch, Megan's mother and second-in-command at Sunset Mesa? Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that's all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscribe' on the top of the Cover Up: Body Brokers show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you get your podcasts. A Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment production. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

n the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the small town of Montrose, Colorado - Megan Hess ran the Sunset Mesa funeral home. Known for her kindness and warmth, Megan was beloved by her customers. But behind this sweet demeanor, Megan was hiding a dark, twisted and shocking secret operation. What was going on in the back room of Sunset Mesa funeral home? Find out on this season of Cover Up: Body Brokers, listen now wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers right now, completely ad-free. Catch new episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers every week wherever you get your podcasts or subscribe to The Binge and unlock all episodes ad-free today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a shocking development, investigators have unearthed the remains of nearly 200 people from a funeral home in Penrose, Colorado. The authorities were alerted to the Return to Nature Funeral Home weeks ago, following complaints about an "abhorrent smell" that turned out to be the decaying bodies of more than a hundred individuals.    According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the grim discovery comprises at least 189 bodies, which have since been relocated to the El Paso County Coroner's Office for further examination. The funeral home, positioned about 100 miles south of Denver, came under scrutiny earlier this month when initial reports revealed 115 human remains improperly stored on the property.    Jon Hallford, the owner of the establishment, has been accused of attempting to hide the maltreatment of the remains. In a letter dated October 5th, officials highlighted that state regulators suspended the license of the Colorado Springs-based funeral home after these revelations. Hallford confessed to the regulators, admitting to a "problem" at the property and mentioning his practice of taxidermy there.    Describing the situation, Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper termed the inside of the facility, which is approximately 2,500 square feet, as "horrific". Cooper's comments underscore the severity of the discovery, especially when considering the adverse reaction of a paramedic on the scene who developed a rash and needed medical assessment.    While this investigation is ongoing, Sheriff Cooper emphasized that the focus is also on the affected families. "We want to do all we can to provide the families the support they need as we shift to the next phase in this process," Cooper stated.    The tedious task of confirming identities and informing surviving family members has begun, with DNA testing anticipated to span several months. "We are conducting extensive coordination efforts as we focus on the identification of the decedents," expressed Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller, aiming to prevent further trauma for the grieving families.    Currently, it's uncertain if the funeral home operator will face criminal charges. Sheriff Cooper has previously noted that no arrests or charges had been made and that Hallford, whose name was initially withheld, was cooperating with the investigation.    This incident brings to light Colorado's notably lax oversight laws regarding funeral homes. As reported by the Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado stands as the only state without mandates on minimal education and training for licensing funeral homes. Even more alarming is the revelation that state regulators possibly failed to inspect or even contact Return to Nature for nearly a year after its registration expired.    Regrettably, this isn't the first instance of malpractice related to funeral homes in Colorado. Megan Hess, ex-owner of Sunset Mesa funeral home, was sentenced to two decades of imprisonment earlier this year for her involvement in stealing and selling bodies or body parts.    Jon Hallford isn't a novice in the funeral business. He established his green burial service in Colorado Springs in 2017, after gaining experience in Oklahoma at his family's funeral home. Notably, he made headlines in 2006, due to a misdemeanor gun charge related to a misguided prank.    Green burials, a method that allows natural decomposition, is legally permitted in Colorado. This eco-friendly alternative, however, demands that any body not interred within a day be adequately refrigerated, as per the state code.    Return to Nature Funeral Home previously advertised green burials for $1,895, not inclusive of a casket or burial plot. Additionally, they offered cremation services for $1,290, which were discontinued last July.    Residents living nearby recounted the odorous stench emanating from the funeral home weeks prior to the investigation. "We just assumed it was a dead animal," shared Joyce Pavetti, a 73-year-old local.    The FBI is actively seeking information from individuals who suspect the wrongful storage of their loved one's remains at this funeral home. The bureau encourages these individuals to fill out an online survey to aid their investigation. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

In a shocking development, investigators have unearthed the remains of nearly 200 people from a funeral home in Penrose, Colorado. The authorities were alerted to the Return to Nature Funeral Home weeks ago, following complaints about an "abhorrent smell" that turned out to be the decaying bodies of more than a hundred individuals.    According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the grim discovery comprises at least 189 bodies, which have since been relocated to the El Paso County Coroner's Office for further examination. The funeral home, positioned about 100 miles south of Denver, came under scrutiny earlier this month when initial reports revealed 115 human remains improperly stored on the property.    Jon Hallford, the owner of the establishment, has been accused of attempting to hide the maltreatment of the remains. In a letter dated October 5th, officials highlighted that state regulators suspended the license of the Colorado Springs-based funeral home after these revelations. Hallford confessed to the regulators, admitting to a "problem" at the property and mentioning his practice of taxidermy there.    Describing the situation, Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper termed the inside of the facility, which is approximately 2,500 square feet, as "horrific". Cooper's comments underscore the severity of the discovery, especially when considering the adverse reaction of a paramedic on the scene who developed a rash and needed medical assessment.    While this investigation is ongoing, Sheriff Cooper emphasized that the focus is also on the affected families. "We want to do all we can to provide the families the support they need as we shift to the next phase in this process," Cooper stated.    The tedious task of confirming identities and informing surviving family members has begun, with DNA testing anticipated to span several months. "We are conducting extensive coordination efforts as we focus on the identification of the decedents," expressed Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller, aiming to prevent further trauma for the grieving families.    Currently, it's uncertain if the funeral home operator will face criminal charges. Sheriff Cooper has previously noted that no arrests or charges had been made and that Hallford, whose name was initially withheld, was cooperating with the investigation.    This incident brings to light Colorado's notably lax oversight laws regarding funeral homes. As reported by the Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado stands as the only state without mandates on minimal education and training for licensing funeral homes. Even more alarming is the revelation that state regulators possibly failed to inspect or even contact Return to Nature for nearly a year after its registration expired.    Regrettably, this isn't the first instance of malpractice related to funeral homes in Colorado. Megan Hess, ex-owner of Sunset Mesa funeral home, was sentenced to two decades of imprisonment earlier this year for her involvement in stealing and selling bodies or body parts.    Jon Hallford isn't a novice in the funeral business. He established his green burial service in Colorado Springs in 2017, after gaining experience in Oklahoma at his family's funeral home. Notably, he made headlines in 2006, due to a misdemeanor gun charge related to a misguided prank.    Green burials, a method that allows natural decomposition, is legally permitted in Colorado. This eco-friendly alternative, however, demands that any body not interred within a day be adequately refrigerated, as per the state code.    Return to Nature Funeral Home previously advertised green burials for $1,895, not inclusive of a casket or burial plot. Additionally, they offered cremation services for $1,290, which were discontinued last July.    Residents living nearby recounted the odorous stench emanating from the funeral home weeks prior to the investigation. "We just assumed it was a dead animal," shared Joyce Pavetti, a 73-year-old local.    The FBI is actively seeking information from individuals who suspect the wrongful storage of their loved one's remains at this funeral home. The bureau encourages these individuals to fill out an online survey to aid their investigation. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

In a shocking development, investigators have unearthed the remains of nearly 200 people from a funeral home in Penrose, Colorado. The authorities were alerted to the Return to Nature Funeral Home weeks ago, following complaints about an "abhorrent smell" that turned out to be the decaying bodies of more than a hundred individuals.    According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, the grim discovery comprises at least 189 bodies, which have since been relocated to the El Paso County Coroner's Office for further examination. The funeral home, positioned about 100 miles south of Denver, came under scrutiny earlier this month when initial reports revealed 115 human remains improperly stored on the property.    Jon Hallford, the owner of the establishment, has been accused of attempting to hide the maltreatment of the remains. In a letter dated October 5th, officials highlighted that state regulators suspended the license of the Colorado Springs-based funeral home after these revelations. Hallford confessed to the regulators, admitting to a "problem" at the property and mentioning his practice of taxidermy there.    Describing the situation, Fremont County Sheriff Allen Cooper termed the inside of the facility, which is approximately 2,500 square feet, as "horrific". Cooper's comments underscore the severity of the discovery, especially when considering the adverse reaction of a paramedic on the scene who developed a rash and needed medical assessment.    While this investigation is ongoing, Sheriff Cooper emphasized that the focus is also on the affected families. "We want to do all we can to provide the families the support they need as we shift to the next phase in this process," Cooper stated.    The tedious task of confirming identities and informing surviving family members has begun, with DNA testing anticipated to span several months. "We are conducting extensive coordination efforts as we focus on the identification of the decedents," expressed Fremont County Coroner Randy Keller, aiming to prevent further trauma for the grieving families.    Currently, it's uncertain if the funeral home operator will face criminal charges. Sheriff Cooper has previously noted that no arrests or charges had been made and that Hallford, whose name was initially withheld, was cooperating with the investigation.    This incident brings to light Colorado's notably lax oversight laws regarding funeral homes. As reported by the Colorado Springs Gazette, Colorado stands as the only state without mandates on minimal education and training for licensing funeral homes. Even more alarming is the revelation that state regulators possibly failed to inspect or even contact Return to Nature for nearly a year after its registration expired.    Regrettably, this isn't the first instance of malpractice related to funeral homes in Colorado. Megan Hess, ex-owner of Sunset Mesa funeral home, was sentenced to two decades of imprisonment earlier this year for her involvement in stealing and selling bodies or body parts.    Jon Hallford isn't a novice in the funeral business. He established his green burial service in Colorado Springs in 2017, after gaining experience in Oklahoma at his family's funeral home. Notably, he made headlines in 2006, due to a misdemeanor gun charge related to a misguided prank.    Green burials, a method that allows natural decomposition, is legally permitted in Colorado. This eco-friendly alternative, however, demands that any body not interred within a day be adequately refrigerated, as per the state code.    Return to Nature Funeral Home previously advertised green burials for $1,895, not inclusive of a casket or burial plot. Additionally, they offered cremation services for $1,290, which were discontinued last July.    Residents living nearby recounted the odorous stench emanating from the funeral home weeks prior to the investigation. "We just assumed it was a dead animal," shared Joyce Pavetti, a 73-year-old local.    The FBI is actively seeking information from individuals who suspect the wrongful storage of their loved one's remains at this funeral home. The bureau encourages these individuals to fill out an online survey to aid their investigation. Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK's Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com

Today, we'll look at how families have paid respects to strangers whose ashes they received through the Sunset Mesa body scam.Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we're diving into major updates surrounding the Sunset Mesa Funeral Foundation.Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Megan Hess, a former owner of the Colorado funeral home, Sunset Mesa, has pleaded guilty to secretly dissecting corpses and selling body parts without consent from relatives of the deceased. Hess and her mother, Shirley Koch, launched a non-profit donor service organization in 2009. They forged dozens of body donor consent forms and sold the body parts for profit. They have both been convicted and sentenced for their crimes.  In this episode of Body Bags, forensics expert Joseph Scott Morgan and special guest co-host  Dave Mack discuss the purpose of funeral homes, how one decides what is done with a loved one's remains, the legal procedures for deciding what is done with bodily remains, using bodies for medical purposes, and much more. Subscribe to Body Bags with Joseph Scott Morgan : Apple Podcasts Spotify iHeart Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 0:45 - Background  2:40 - What is the purpose of a funeral home?  5:05 - Gross Anatomy 5:50 - Deciding what is done with a body after death 8:10 - Donor Services and Megan Hess 13:35 - Can you tell if someone's ashes aren't real? 16:00 - Legal procedures for remains  18:10 - Non-transplant anatomical donation 19:30 - Jeff Peacock and finding out his parents were victims of Hess 23:40 - Body parts sold having certain diseases 25:30 - Using bodies for medical purposes 27:50 - Sentencing for Megan Hess and her mother Shirley Koch 28:30 - Wrap-upSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're covering two more episodes of The Last of Us!  This show continues to rip out our heartstrings (is it dusty in here?).  We learn the backstory of our Kansas City characters including the terrible choice Henry makes to keep Henry alive, and the lengths Kathleen will go to avenge her beloved brother.  There's also a huge Cordyceps assault (after not hearing a peep from those saucy mushroom scoundrels for several episodes), YIKES.  Plus, we get a mini Northern Exposure reunion, Joel has panic attacks (he's just like all of us!), Ellie reads him the riot act, and a family reunion that includes Tara from True Blood! This weeks recommendations!Criminal Podcast - Episode "Sunset Mesa" https://thisiscriminal.com/episode-205-sunset-mesa-1-20-2023Poker Face: https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/poker-faceThe Coldest Case in Laramie: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/16/podcasts/serial-laramie-cold-case.htmlHosts: Lisa Carroll Tremblay and Ken Cornwell Producer: Cole T.Check out our merch! TV is Awesome at Spreadshop: tv-is-awesome.myspreadshop.com

Megan Hess, a former owner of the Colorado funeral home, Sunset Mesa, has pleaded guilty to secretly dissecting corpses and selling body parts without consent from relatives of the deceased. Hess and her mother, Shirley Koch, launched a non-profit donor service organization in 2009. They forged dozens of body donor consent forms and sold the body parts for profit. They have both been convicted and sentenced for their crimes.  In this episode of Body Bags, forensics expert Joseph Scott Morgan and special guest co-host  Dave Mack discuss the purpose of funeral homes, how one decides what is done with a loved one's remains, the legal procedures for deciding what is done with bodily remains, using bodies for medical purposes, and much more. Show Notes: 0:00 - Intro 0:45 - Background  2:40 - What is the purpose of a funeral home?  5:05 - Gross Anatomy 5:50 - Deciding what is done with a body after death 8:10 - Donor Services and Megan Hess 13:35 - Can you tell if someone's ashes aren't real? 16:00 - Legal procedures for remains  18:10 - Non-transplant anatomical donation 19:30 - Jeff Peacock and finding out his parents were victims of Hess 23:40 - Body parts sold having certain diseases 25:30 - Using bodies for medical purposes 27:50 - Sentencing for Megan Hess and her mother Shirley Koch 28:30 - Wrap-upSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Debbie Schum waited a long time to receive the cremated ashes of her friend, LoraLee Johnson. When she did, she felt relieved to finally take them home with her. But then, she got a call from the FBI. We first aired this episode in 2020. Earlier this month, Megan Hess and Shirley Koch were sentenced for their crimes. We've included updates about the case in this version of the episode. To learn more, check out Elena Saavedra Buckley's article, “‘None of this happened the way you think it did.'” Say hello on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Sign up for our occasional newsletter, The Accomplice. Follow the show and review us on Apple Podcasts: iTunes.com/CriminalShow. Listen back through our archives at youtube.com/criminalpodcast. We also make This is Love and Phoebe Reads a Mystery. Artwork by Julienne Alexander. Check out our online shop.  Episode transcripts are posted on our website. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Tuesday, a former proprietor of a funeral facility in Colorado was given a sentence of 20 years in federal prison for cheating the surviving family members of 560 deceased people by dissecting their bodies and selling their body parts without authorization. In July, 46-year-old Megan Hess entered a guilty plea to the charge of fraud. Within the same structure in Montrose, Colorado, she ran both a funeral home known as Sunset Mesa and a business known as Donor Services, which dealt with body parts. The law imposed a maximum sentence of twenty years for the offense. If you like TRUE CRIME TODAY - and want AD FREE episodes, Be sure to sub to our premium channel on APPLE PODCASTS! http://shorturl.at/uLTWX  Get access to: -Ad Free EXCLUSIVE BONUS Series from True Crime Today. -Advance Episodes -Ad Free Episodes

Today - A solar farm planned on Falcon Road is projected to bring close to 20 full-time jobs and millions in property tax revenues during its production life. Later - MacGeez Productions and Humble Beast Productions of Colorado recently released a proof-of-concept documentary about the events that unfolded at Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors in Montrose.Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today - One half of the mother-daughter duo embroiled in the Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors' mail fraud case won her bid for a later sentencing date. Also - A timed bike ride slated to feature both 34-mile and 57-mile routes will weave riders through Montrose fields and farms as Valley Food Partnership seeks to connect locals with agriculture.Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Good morning and welcome to Montrose Fresh, from The Montrose Daily Press. It's MondayApril 12th and we're here to bring you a closer look at our top stories, events and more that matter to us here in Western Colorado.    Today - Sunset Mesa Funeral Foundation defendants were ordered to pay millions of dollars to 30 people who sued them over the selling of their loved ones' bodies.    Today's episode is brought to you by Elevate Internet. Whether it's for your home or your business they offer the best speeds at the best price. Right now, if you refer a friend you can get $25 off! Give them a call for more information at 844-386-8744 or visit them at elevateinternet.com.   Now, our feature story.   Sunset Mesa Funeral Foundation defendants were ordered to pay millions of dollars to 30 people who sued them over the selling of their loved ones' bodies.    After hearing testimony in February, Montrose District Judge Cory Jackson awarded all but one plaintiff damages.   Jackson found that Sunset Mesa defendants Megan Hess, Shirley Koch, and Alan Koch were all liable.    Lead plaintiff Christopher Artrup and the other 29 plaintiffs suffered in four ways according to Jackson's order. First, the defendants stole money that was paid for proper funeral services. Second they stole personal property like jewelry from the bodies. Third, they actually stole and sold the bodies. And finally, these actions caused pain and suffering.   During February proceedings, plaintiffs told of nightmares. Enduring trauma and grief. They detailed the pain of not knowing what had become of loved ones.   Debra Schum testified to caring for her best friend of 30 years in her final days. She entrusted her arrangements to Sunset Mesa, only to later learn Johnson's body was sold.   The judgment totaled about $16 million. Payments range between $468,000 and close to $1 million per plaintiff.   But attorney Keith Killian reminded his clients that being able to find these funds will be difficult. Especially since the FBI has seized assets from the defendants.   The Artrup case was one of six lawsuits filed against Sunset Mesa. Of the six, it's the fourth to result in a judgment against Sunset Mesa Funeral Foundation defendants.   Separate from the civil action, Megan and her mother Shirley have been federally indicted over an alleged scheme to acquire and sell human remains.    Sunset Mesa Funeral Foundation did business as Sunset Mesa Funeral Directors in Montrose until 2018. It was then when the FBI and state of Colorado served search warrants.   Hess and Shirley Koch were federally indicted last year on allegations of mail fraud. The fraud related to shipping diseased human remains.    Ultimately the feds allege the women engaged in a scheme to get bodies to sell to the medical and research market.   The case is tentatively set for trial in August.   To read more about this meeting visit us at montrosepress.com   -   And before we go we'd like to highlight recent updates on the Rotary Amphitheater.   The city has broken ground on the new Rotary Amphitheater construction site near the Cerise Park dog park.   So far, construction workers have completed the land contouring.   Mayor pro tem Dave Frank noted that they're moving forward in a fast and great way.   With the land contouring complete, workers are now installing pipelines.   Frank said the city is hoping for the project to be completed around late fall. Just in time for seasonal concerts.   For now, the city has a tentative opening ceremony planned. The ceremony may even feature a concert.   Construction on the amphitheater broke ground back at the start of March. The project comes as part of an effort to bring more people to Montrose for events.    The city anticipates the amphitheater will also boost the economy. Everything from providing jobs to construction workers, architects and vendors, to filling up hotels, restaurants and gas stations.   To learn more about the project visit us at montrosepress.com   That's all for today, thank you for listening! For more information on any of these stories visit us at montrosepress.com.   And don't forget to check out our sponsor, Elevate Internet. Visit them at elevateinternet.com to learn more.   For more than 137 years, The Montrose Daily Press has been dedicated to shining a light on all the issues that matter to our community. Go to montrosepress.com to subscribe for just $1.99 per week for our digital edition. You'll get unlimited access to every story, feature, and special section. Thank you and remember to tune in again next time on montrosepress.com or wherever you listen to podcasts. Support the show: https://www.montrosepress.com/site/forms/subscription_services/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode Mike forgets to turn on the correct microphone, Dean and MIke discuss the case of a petrol station sued for selling petrol to a drunk man, the ongoing case of the Sunset Mesa funeral home and the age old practice of trying and executing pigs for their crimes.

The directors of the Sunset Mesa Funeral Home thought they had a sweet deal. Sign people up for cremation, substitute a little kitty litter for the ash, and sell the various body parts of their loved ones. After all, parts is parts.