Here’s a look back at the top 5 most engaging of The Denver Post’s long reads of 2018, as determined by our readers.
5.Coloradans pay more as hospital building spree leads to empty beds and profits nearly twice the national average
In an investigation into Colorado’s health care system, our reporter Christopher H. Osher unveiled that Coloradans pay more as hospitals profits are nearly twice the national average. Hospitals throughout the state hiked prices by 76 percent over seven years during a building spree.
4.Alone in the world: Foster kids in Colorado leave system with no home, no family, little support
Our Aged Out series looks into life after foster care for teenagers that become adults with little support, stability or resources to thrive on their own. Our reporter Jennifer Brown talks to teenagers, families and case workers who are impacted by the foster care system.
3.“This really has shattered me”: Betrayal, anger, grief haunt victims of Colorado funeral home that sold loved ones’ body parts without permission
Sunset Mesa, a Colorado funeral home in Montrose, was investigated by the FBI for selling body parts without the families’ permission and giving families remains for other people that sometimes included metal junk. Our reporter Sam Tabachnik talked to the victims of this scheme and how the families are moving on after learning the truth behind the funeral home.
2.Sibling rivalry, greed and murder: A 700-acre Gunnison County ranch stands at the center of a family drama that left a man dead
A Gunnison County ranch stands at the center of a family drama nearly biblical in its accusations of sibling rivalry, greed and murder that left a 29-year-old man dead. His mother, sister and brother-in-law now sit in jail accused in his death and disposal of his body beneath a layer of manure in a corral on the property. Our reporter Kirk Mitchell runs through the details of this family feud.
1. Beneath appearance of perfect family, Christopher Watts lied and cheated even as his wife attempted to save their marriage
This story started out as a missing persons case this summer and developed into a murder case that garnered national attention. Christopher Watts pleaded guilty to murdering his pregnant wife and two young daughters. Now, he is serving a life sentence in prison. Our reporter Elise Schmelzer followed the case and in this piece details how Watts lied and cheated as his wife attempted to save their marriage before the murders.
