A Colorado county coroner is under investigation for allegedly storing bodies in his private mortuary for years, with approximately 20 bodies discovered in various stages of decomposition. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) confirmed that potential criminal charges are being considered against Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter. The bodies were discovered during an annual inspection by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Division of Professions and Occupations at Davis Mortuary in Pueblo.
A press conference was held by the CBI, the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, and other local officials. They detailed allegations that Cotter and his brother, Chris Cotter, had kept the decomposing remains in a room without refrigeration or proper equipment for years. The Cotter brothers co-owned the mortuary, which lost its crematory license in November 2024.
CBI Director Armando Saldate III and DORA Division Director Sam Delp described the situation as “deeply disturbing and tragic.” They expressed sympathy for the state inspectors who made the grim discovery. The Cotter brothers reportedly told the inspectors that they believed there were around 20 bodies, some possibly as old as 15 years. The room where the bodies were stored was hidden behind a door obscured by a cardboard display.
The authorities released a press statement detailing the unsettling findings and announcing the immediate suspension of Cotter’s private funeral home license. Cotter reportedly told inspectors that some bodies had been awaiting cremation for approximately 15 years. He also confessed to possibly providing fake cremains to the next-of-kin.
The Pueblo Police Department enlisted the help of CBI investigators due to their previous experience with a similar case in Colorado. In 2023, the owners of the Return to Nature Funeral Home were arrested for illegally storing nearly 200 bodies and distributing fake ashes.
Cotter’s private funeral home license has been indefinitely suspended by state officials. Despite the ongoing investigation, Cotter, an elected official, will continue to serve as the county coroner. The authorities are currently aware of Cotter’s location, but his brother’s whereabouts remain unknown.