Fowler, Colorado — A decade ago, the murder of funeral director Byron Griffy cast a dark shadow over this quiet southeastern Colorado town, revealing a web of deceit, betrayal, and unspeakable allegations. Griffy was found dead in his farmhouse on October 12, 2012, just one day before his 77th birthday. The circumstances surrounding his death were unsettling; he had been shot execution-style in the back of the head, and the crime scene suggested meticulous cleaning, with little physical evidence remaining.
As investigators delved deeper, they uncovered a complex narrative involving four primary suspects, each with their own potential motives. The case has gained renewed attention through a documentary series titled “The Rocky Mountain Mortician Murder,” released on November 26, which examines the chilling events and the characters involved.
Griffy, once a respected figure in his community, had his life marked by scandal shortly before his murder. Just five months prior, he pleaded guilty to sexual assault involving his teenage step-grandson, who alleged that Griffy had abused him over several years while he worked at the family funeral home. The teenager’s claims ignited turmoil within the family, causing a rift that complicated the investigation. Griffy’s daughter-in-law defended her husband, alleging he had fabricated the story, but other troubling accusations also emerged.
Among the suspects was Tommy Tomlin, a known drug addict who worked sporadically for Griffy. He claimed Griffy had paid for sexual favors, shedding further light on the grim circumstances surrounding Griffy’s personal life. However, as the investigation progressed, the focus shifted to brothers Charles Giebler and Anthony Wright, local funeral home owners who had been friends with Griffy. The two men not only tended to Griffy’s funeral arrangements but also claimed to be celebrating his upcoming birthday on the day of his death.
Despite their alibi, inconsistencies in their stories raised suspicion. Family members pointed out their knowledge of the farmhouse’s layout and questioned their claimed inability to reach Griffy. Investigators raised alarms about the suspicious circumstances surrounding their visit, including the vehicle used, which contradicted their narrative.
In a shocking twist, it later emerged that Giebler and Wright were not actually brothers but secret partners, which added a layer of intrigue to the case. Financial disputes surfaced as well; Griffy had entrusted the pair with a valuable collection of gold and silver coins, illustrating a potential motive for murder.
As investigators prepared to make arrests, tragedy struck. Giebler died from natural causes in early 2013, leaving behind unanswered questions. Speculation arose that Wright may have killed Giebler to cover up their involvement, but law enforcement ultimately deemed Giebler’s death the result of natural illness. Nearly seven months later, Wright was arrested for Griffy’s murder.
During the trial, the prosecution struggled with a lack of physical evidence, with no murder weapon or DNA linking Wright to the scene. An investigator pointed out the absence of forensic evidence as a troubling indication of foul play, further complicating the case. The defense highlighted conflicting testimonies and previous tips that suggested other possible suspects, including rumors that Griffy had discussed hiring a hitman.
The jury found themselves deadlocked, resulting in a mistrial in July 2015. In a surprising turn, district attorneys later offered Wright a plea deal, leading him to plead guilty in January 2017 to accessory to first-degree murder. According to prosecutors, he aided Giebler in the crime, resulting in a sentence of ten years probation.
Today, Wright lives in southern Colorado with his wife. Despite his guilty plea, he continues to maintain his innocence regarding any involvement in Griffy’s death. As “The Rocky Mountain Mortician Murder” exposes the harrowing details of this case, it becomes evident that the line between reality and the tales spun within this small community remains blurred.