Colorado state inspectors discovered approximately 20 decomposing bodies behind a hidden door at a funeral home in Pueblo during a routine inspection on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. The bodies were found at Davis Mortuary, which is owned and operated by Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter.
During the inspection, investigators found the bodies concealed in a room behind a door that was hidden by a cardboard display. Cotter had specifically requested that inspectors not enter the room, according to documents from state regulators. Upon entering, inspectors detected what officials described as “a strong odor of decomposition.”
Cotter admitted to inspectors that some of the bodies had been awaiting cremation for approximately 15 years. He also acknowledged that he may have provided fake cremated remains to families who had paid for cremation services. The exact number of bodies has not been confirmed, as investigators have not yet moved or counted all remains in the room.
Sam Delp, director of the Division of Professions and Occupations in the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, explained that investigators did not want to disturb the scene by moving bodies around to get an accurate count. He noted that while there appeared to be a refrigeration unit in the room, the bodies were stored in a regular room and it was unclear if the refrigeration equipment was functional.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has taken the lead on the criminal investigation due to their experience with a similar case. Director Armando Saldate indicated that this represented a profound violation of trust and heartbreaking betrayal of families who entrusted their loved ones to the funeral home.
The state has suspended Davis Mortuary’s license to operate, citing several violations including engaging in willfully dishonest conduct, failing to properly handle human remains within 24 hours of taking custody, and taking custody of more remains than the facility could refrigerate. The suspension prevents the funeral home from legally operating in Colorado.
This inspection marked the first time Davis Mortuary had been inspected under new regulations implemented following Colorado’s funeral home reform legislation passed in 2024. Previously, funeral homes could only be inspected if complaints were filed against them. Davis Mortuary had no prior complaints on record.
Cotter, a three-term Republican who has served as Pueblo County coroner since 2014, has not been arrested. No charges have been filed as the investigation continues, according to 10th Judicial District Attorney Kala Beauvais. Cotter and his brother Chris purchased the funeral home in 1989, and their father previously owned and operated funeral homes in Kansas, Nebraska, and southern Colorado.
The discovery comes as Colorado has been working to strengthen oversight of its funeral industry following multiple scandals. The state previously had some of the weakest funeral home regulations in the nation, with no routine inspections or qualification requirements for operators.
This case follows another major funeral home abuse case in Colorado involving Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose, located approximately 30 miles from Pueblo. In that case, nearly 200 decomposing bodies were found stored at room temperature. Jon Hallford, one of the owners, was scheduled for sentencing on Friday for 191 counts of corpse abuse in that case.
Investigators from the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, some of whom worked on the Return to Nature case, executed search warrants at Davis Mortuary on Thursday. Colorado State Patrol hazardous materials operators assisted in collecting evidence from the scene.
Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero confirmed that both Cotter and his brother are not under arrest as the investigation continues. Officials emphasized that they want to ensure they have complete information before conducting interviews with the funeral home operators.
In response to the discovery, Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham, county commissioners, and Sheriff Lucero signed a joint emergency declaration on Thursday evening to secure state resources for handling deaths in Pueblo County during the investigation.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has established a tip line for families who may have used Davis Mortuary’s services and have concerns about their loved ones’ remains. People can call 719-257-3359 or email cbitips@state.co.us for information.
Officials indicated the investigation will be thorough and methodical, with priorities focused on respectfully processing the scene, identifying all deceased individuals, and notifying their families. The process is expected to take considerable time given the scope and sensitive nature of the case.