Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
Once the remains were carefully removed from the funeral home and transported to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office, the FBI helped the Fremont County Coroner process and identify the deceased using techniques such as fingerprinting, DNA collection, and dental X-rays.
A team composed of coroner’s office members, an investigator, and victim advocates (including FBI victim specialists) will notify families in-person as deceased persons are identified.
Information about how long the bodies had been left at the funeral home and the circumstances behind their improper storage is not available at this time.
No arrests have been made to date.
The FBI continues to focus on the investigation and providing victim support through its Victim Services Division (VSD). The division has specially trained personnel in each of the Bureau’s 56 FBI field offices to ensure victims of crimes are supported in their aftermath. VSD is working with local partners to ensure trauma-informed notification, assess ongoing needs, and provide additional support, as required.
“How the FBI responds to the needs of victims of crime is a direct reflection of our core values, and we ensure that victims are supported with all resources available to them,” said FBI Assistant Director Regina Thompson, who leads VSD.