AP’s coverage of the sentencing of a Colorado funeral home owner — convicted after nearly 200 decaying bodies were found inside her facility — stood out for its speed, depth and emotional resonance.
Reporter Jesse Bedayn had been on the story since it broke in 2023, building strong, lasting relationships with families of the deceased. That source work paid off in a powerful feature centered on Derrick Johnson, whose mother’s remains were among those found. Bedayn first connected with Johnson through a virtual support group for victims, and after years of quiet contact, Johnson agreed to share his story in the lead-up to the sentencing.
Bedayn’s reporting, edited by Mary Sedor, captured the emotional complexity of the case through intimate interviews and haunting detail. Thomas Peipert’s photos and video added powerful visuals from the courthouse, and Matt Brown delivered a fast, clear and compelling spot story on the sentencing itself — tying the full package together.
Judges praised the team’s preparation, source development and ability to tell a human-centered story in real time, with reporting that resonated far beyond Colorado.
For unmatched coverage that combined immediacy, depth and humanity, Jesse Bedayn, Thomas Peipert and Matt Brown win this week’s Best of AP — First Winner.
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