Florence, Colorado — The mysterious death of Byron Griffy, a respected mortician, has haunted the small community of Florence since that fateful day in October 2012. As the investigation into his death unfolds, a timeline of events leading to his tragic demise offers a glimpse into the man who touched so many lives and the circumstances surrounding his passing.
On Oct. 12, 2012, just a day before his 76th birthday, Byron’s friends and fellow morticians, Anthony Wright and Charles Giebler, attempted to bring him lunch at his farm. Upon arriving, they discovered the gate was locked, raising immediate concerns. Unable to reach Byron by phone, they made a fruitless search for his new house before ultimately returning to Florence.
Later that evening, when Byron failed to appear for dinner, family members Linette and Gina grew worried. They headed to his farm where the situation took a grim turn. Gina was the first to find Byron unresponsive, lying in an empty bedroom, victim of a single gunshot wound to the back of the head. The scene was described as eerily quiet, with minimal blood present at the scene.
Former Otero County Sheriff’s Captain Carol Coates recounted her initial observations from the crime scene, noting the unsettling atmosphere. Additionally, Otero County District Attorney James Bullock remarked that Byron’s body appeared carefully arranged, evoking a sense of macabre symmetry likened to a staged funeral.
In the wake of Byron’s death, the tight-knit community rallied to support his family during their time of grief. A large turnout at his funeral on Oct. 19 underscored the impact he had on the residents of Florence, many of whom had turned to him in their most vulnerable moments. Charles, who was also a church deacon, delivered a heartfelt eulogy, reflecting on Byron’s influence and the void his passing created.
The investigation into Byron’s death remains open, with authorities still piecing together the events that led to this tragic incident. The community’s unease lingers, underscored by the image of a beloved figure taken too soon and the unanswered questions surrounding his death. Residents continue to seek clarity, hoping that justice will provide some semblance of closure for a man who dedicated his life to serving others.