7 arrested after spiritual leader's mummified body found decorated with Christmas lights in Colorado home
Authorities have arrested seven people after the mummified body of the leader of the spiritual group "Love Has Won" was found wrapped in a sleeping bag and decorated with Christmas lights in a southern Colorado home.
Amy Carlson, 45, who was known as "Mother God" by her followers, was found dead in a home in the tiny, rural town of Moffat on Wednesday, April 28, according to arrest affidavits for seven people, who are each charged with abuse of a corpse.
CBS Denver reports a member of the religious group told the Saguache County Sheriff's Office that the group had his 2-year-old son and wouldn't let the boy leave.
The follower told investigators he knew the woman as Lia Carlson, and a Saguache County sheriff's corporal wrote in the affidavits that Carlson is believed to be the leader of the group. It's unclear why the follower provided the name Lia.
The follower, who has not been charged, told investigators he had taken in a group of people who needed a place to stay, and he found the body in a back bedroom when he returned home Wednesday following a trip to Denver. He reported the discovery to police and said he believed the group had transported Carlson's body to his home from California.
A sergeant searching the home said the remains were decorated with Christmas tree lights, set up in "some kind of shrine" with glitter makeup around the deceased person's eyes. Investigators searched an SUV on the property and said the back seat was laid down in a position "consistent with someone transporting the mummified remains."
The Saguache County coroner's office has not said when Carlson died and has not released the cause or manner of death.
Two children - a 13-year-old girl and a 2-year-old boy - were in the home at the time.
CBS Denver reports authorities later identified the arrested people as Ryan Kramer, Christopher Royer, Sarah Rudolph, Karin Raymond, Jason Castillo, John Robertson and Obdulia Franco. They were booked at the Rio Grande County Jail in Del Norte, each charged with abuse of a corpse and two counts of child abuse.
According to the affidavits, the sheriff's office has received "many complaints" from families across the country saying "Love Has Won" is brainwashing people and stealing their money.
Carlson's followers believe she communicated with angels and that she was leading them to a great awakening, The Denver Post reported Monday. The group, which established itself in southern Colorado in 2018, offers "spiritual intuitive ascension sessions" and sells spiritual healing products online.
