Shivangi Sinha
When police began investigating Byron Griffy’s killing in late 2012, suspicion quickly fell on Charles Giebler and Anthony Wright. Both men admitted they had visited Byron’s farmhouse on the day his remains were found, yet their accounts contained multiple inconsistencies. As details about their past associations with Byron and various allegations surfaced, Charles’ potential involvement came under deeper scrutiny. ID’s ‘The Rocky Mountain Mortician Murder’ outlines the course of the investigation and the circumstances surrounding Charles’ death while the case was still unfolding.
Charles Giebler Was Widely Active in the Fowler Public Life
Charles Joseph Giebler was born on March 3, 1960, to Marlin and Joyce Giebler. He and his sister, Faye Belflower, spent their early years in East Springfield, Pennsylvania, where they enjoyed a typical and happy upbringing. His parents eventually separated and his mother got married to Bobbie Thigpen. Charles’ step-siblings, Bobbie Jo and Rowdy, warmly accepted them into their life. After graduating from Northwestern High School in Albion in 1978, Charles pursued a bachelor’s degree in applied science. In 1992, he moved to Fowler, Colorado, with Anthony Wright to start their own ventures. The pair went on to establish Smashing Good Guitars, Mainstreet Grille and Bakery, and the Charles Anthony Funeral Home.
Charles later earned a master’s degree in theology, which led to his ordination as a Bishop in the Ecumenical Catholic Church of Christ and his role as Pastor of Saint Jude the Apostle parish in Florence. He was deeply involved in community life, serving as a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America, a board member and past President of the San Juan Bautista Cemetery Association, and a board member of several local bodies. He also entered public service by becoming President of the Florence Chamber of Commerce, a Ward 2 City Councilman, and, by 2012, the Mayor of Fowler. On October 12, 2012, Charles accompanied Anthony to Byron Griffy’s home shortly after noon.
Charles initially told investigators that Byron wasn’t home, so both men left the farmhouse. Later that day, Byron’s remains were discovered inside the same residence, and several inconsistencies emerged in Charles’ timeline. The vehicle description he provided did not match CCTV footage, and suspicion deepened in January 2013 when it was revealed that Charles and Anthony were not half-brothers but former romantic partners. Although the latter claimed the relationship had ended, their secrecy raised doubts. Byron’s coin collection being found with Anthony further implicated them, but the case took an unexpected turn soon after.
Related
Charles Giebler’s Death in the Middle of an Investigation Raised Many Doubts
On January 25, 2013, an employee from Charles Giebler’s funeral home went to his house after being unable to reach him and found him unresponsive. He was soon declared dead, and the cause was determined to be coronary artery disease, with no evidence of foul play. Rumors, however, quickly spread. Some alleged that Anthony had ended their relationship, adding emotional strain to the pressure of the ongoing investigation. Others claimed Charles had told them days earlier that he expected to be arrested soon. Anthony later alleged that Charles had been jealous of his relationship with Laura Anderson and had been “vindictive” when revealing the truth about their past relationship.
A lot of them found out that he had lied about a major aspect of his life, like having children. Obituaries published at the time of his death mentioned this hypothetical family, but it has been proven false since then. Charles was never charged in connection with Byron Griffy’s death. His sudden passing in the middle of the investigation left many questions unanswered. After Anthony’s guilty plea, some alleged that Charles had acted with financial motives and had kept Byron’s coins for personal gain. However, none of these claims were ever proven. With no definitive resolution and key details left unconfirmed, speculation continues to run rampant, and the case remains clouded by doubts and questions.
