When a respected mortician was found dead in his Colorado farmhouse, the small town of Fowler never imagined the investigation would expose a web of greed, betrayal, and broken trust. Investigation Discovery’s latest three-part docuseries, The Rocky Mountain Mortician Murder, unravels the shocking 2012 killing of Byron Griffy—a case that started as a simple robbery but evolved into something far more sinister.
Table of Contents
Death Comes Knocking: What You Need to Know
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Premiere Date | Wednesday, November 26, 2025 |
| Time | 8 p.m. ET/PT |
| Network | Investigation Discovery |
| Streaming | HBO Max (Max) |
| Format | 3-part series (3 hours total) |
| Case Year | October 2012 |
| Location | Fowler, Colorado |
| Victim | Byron Griffy (mortician) |
The Case That Shook Southern Colorado
In October 2012, Byron Griffy, a longtime mortician and trusted figure in his community, was discovered dead at his farmhouse near Fowler. Initially, investigators suspected a robbery gone wrong. But as detectives dug deeper, they uncovered connections that ran through the funeral industry, financial troubles, and personal relationships that weren’t what they seemed.
The investigation revealed uncomfortable truths about people the town had trusted for years. Charles Giebler, a former Florence mayor and pastor, became linked to the case but died in early 2013 before any arrest could be made. Anthony Wright later pleaded guilty to accessory to first-degree murder, receiving a probation sentence with conditions.
According to The Pueblo Chieftain, the sentencing judge cited greed as the primary motive and emphasized how the crime shattered the community’s trust. This wasn’t just a murder—it was a betrayal that cut deep into the fabric of small-town Colorado.
How the Investigation Unfolded
What makes this case particularly compelling is how seemingly ordinary details became crucial evidence. Call logs, bank surveillance footage, and timeline reconstructions helped investigators map the movements of friends and business partners during the hours surrounding Griffy’s death.
The docuseries presents this evidence alongside commentary from the detectives who worked the case and locals who continue to debate certain aspects of the investigation. According to Investigation Discovery’s crime documentary standards, the series stays close to documented facts while exploring the human elements that make true crime so captivating.
For those interested in forensic investigation techniques, our comprehensive guide to modern crime-solving methods provides deeper context on how investigators piece together complex cases.
What to Expect from the Three-Part Series
Episode 1: The Discovery
The opening installment establishes Byron Griffy’s standing in the community and walks viewers through the initial robbery theory. You’ll meet the people who knew him best and understand why his death shocked southern Colorado.
Episode 2: Shifting Stories
The middle chapter dives into follow-up interviews, financial angles, and the moment investigators realized this wasn’t a simple burglary. Expect revelations about business relationships and money problems that paint a darker picture.
Episode 3: The Break
The finale tracks how the case was ultimately solved, Wright’s plea deal, and lingering questions about suspects who died before facing charges. This episode addresses what the court decided and what remains disputed.
Behind the Documentary: Production Details
Investigation Discovery commissioned the series, with production handled by Citizen Jones, a company known for delivering high-quality multi-part nonfiction content for major platforms. The production team includes executive producers Jonah Bekhor, Jonas Bell Pasht, Yoav Attias, and Donnie Eichar, with Kellen Hertz and Alison Shurter as co-executive producers.
The series benefits from access to case files, law enforcement interviews, and testimonies from townspeople who experienced the aftermath firsthand. Filming locations throughout southern Colorado provide authentic atmosphere, while minimal re-creations stay faithful to documented timelines.
For fans of Investigation Discovery’s documentary style, explore our true crime series rankings to find similar compelling content.
Where and When to Watch
The Rocky Mountain Mortician Murder airs Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Investigation Discovery. All three episodes air back-to-back in a three-hour block, allowing viewers to experience the complete story in one sitting.
Can’t catch it live? Episodes will be available for streaming on HBO Max (now simply called Max) shortly after the broadcast. For more information about Investigation Discovery programming, visit the official ID network website.
Why This Case Still Matters
The Byron Griffy murder reminds us that darkness can lurk beneath even the most respectable facades. In tight-knit communities where everyone knows everyone, discovering that trusted figures might be involved in violent crime creates lasting trauma.
The case also highlights how financial desperation can drive people to unthinkable acts. The judge’s emphasis on greed as the motive underscores a uncomfortable truth: sometimes the people we trust most are the ones we should watch closest.
FAQs
What happened to all the suspects in Byron Griffy’s murder?
The case had a complicated resolution with multiple individuals implicated. Anthony Wright pleaded guilty to accessory to first-degree murder and received probation with conditions, avoiding prison time despite his involvement. Charles Giebler, a former Florence mayor and pastor who was connected to the case, died in early 2013 before authorities could arrest him. This left many questions unanswered about his exact role and what charges he might have faced. The documentary explores these unresolved aspects, examining what evidence existed against Giebler and why Wright received a relatively lenient sentence. The judge’s comments about greed as the driving motive suggest financial troubles played a central role in the conspiracy.
Is The Rocky Mountain Mortician Murder based on a true story?
Yes, this is a completely factual documentary based on the real 2012 murder of Byron Griffy in Fowler, Colorado. Investigation Discovery worked with actual case files, court records, and law enforcement officials who investigated the crime. The series includes interviews with detectives, prosecutors, and community members who experienced the case firsthand. All timelines, evidence discussions, and trial outcomes presented in the documentary are drawn from public records and verified sources, including coverage by The Pueblo Chieftain newspaper. Unlike dramatized true crime content, this docuseries focuses on presenting the actual investigation as it unfolded, with minimal re-creations and emphasis on documented facts and official testimonies.
