Authorities in Colorado are investigating the discovery of more than 20 decaying bodies at Davis Mortuary, a funeral home owned by Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter and his brother Chris Cotter. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation reported that some of the remains may be up to 15 years old. Officials said it will take months to identify the deceased due to the advanced state of decomposition and poor record-keeping at the business.
“To identify the deceased, investigators will use dental x-rays, fingerprints, and DNA samples,” according to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
The mortuary’s license has been suspended, and no arrests have been made so far. Investigators executed search warrants at both owners’ homes on August 26, and Davis Mortuary has since closed. Authorities recovered 24 bodies as well as multiple containers with bones and probable human tissue from the facility.
Brian Cotter told authorities that some families may have received fake cremains instead of their loved ones’ ashes, according to investigators.
Governor Jared Polis has called for Brian Cotter’s resignation as county coroner but he has not stepped down. Polis also declared a disaster emergency to help mobilize state resources for the investigation. “I’m sickened for the families of the loved ones who are impacted by this unacceptable misconduct,” Polis said in a statement.
The Colorado Coroner’s Association removed Brian Cotter from his position as secretary on its board following these developments. As of Monday, more than 840 families had contacted investigators about concerns related to Davis Mortuary.
Pueblo County is located approximately 120 miles south of Denver.