Pueblo, Colorado — Two Colorado brothers, one of whom previously served as a county coroner, are facing dozens of felony charges after investigators uncovered decomposing bodies and human remains hidden inside a funeral home during a state inspection.
Authorities announced Thursday that Brian Lee Cotter, 65, and Christopher Aaron Cotter, 60, were arrested in Pueblo following a lengthy investigation into alleged misconduct at Davis Mortuary.
The arrests come nearly a year after inspectors made a disturbing discovery behind a concealed door inside the funeral home.
Hidden Room Revealed During State Inspection
According to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), inspectors visited Davis Mortuary during a routine regulatory inspection conducted under new state oversight rules.
While examining the facility, investigators reported detecting a strong odor of decomposition, which led them to a hidden area within the building.
Behind the concealed door, officials discovered 24 decomposing bodies, along with additional human remains stored in conditions investigators described as deeply disturbing.
Authorities said they have identified 19 of the recovered bodies, along with tissue remains belonging to two additional individuals.
Investigators also reported finding numerous skeletal remains and containers labeled as cremated remains that allegedly lacked proper identification.
Brothers Face More Than 100 Criminal Charges
Following the investigation, prosecutors charged both brothers with 125 counts of abuse of a corpse.
The two men were arrested Thursday in Pueblo and booked into jail, where bond was set at $1 million each. Court records indicate they were scheduled to make their first court appearance Friday.
As of Thursday, neither defendant had an attorney listed in court filings.
Officials have not announced whether additional charges could be filed as investigators continue examining evidence recovered from the funeral home.
Investigators Allege Families May Have Received Incorrect Ashes
According to investigators, one of the most troubling allegations involves cremated remains provided to grieving families.
Authorities said Brian Cotter allegedly acknowledged during the inspection that some families who requested cremation may have received ashes that were not those of their loved ones.
The allegation has raised serious concerns for families who trusted the funeral home with final arrangements.
Brian Cotter later resigned from his position as Pueblo County Coroner in September following the investigation.
Officials Condemn Alleged Treatment of Human Remains
Investigators allege that bodies and skeletal remains were stored under conditions that violated accepted professional and ethical standards.
CBI Director Armando Saldate described the findings as a profound breach of public trust.
“The evidence uncovered during this investigation reveals a complete disregard for the dignity of the deceased and the trust placed in Davis Mortuary by families in our community.”
He added that investigators remain committed to ensuring those responsible are held accountable through the legal process.
Case Highlights Colorado’s Funeral Industry Reforms
The discovery at Davis Mortuary came during Colorado’s first round of funeral home inspections conducted under regulations adopted in 2024.
The new oversight measures followed several high-profile scandals involving funeral homes throughout the state.
For years, Colorado had some of the nation’s least restrictive funeral home regulations, with no routine inspections and limited licensing requirements for operators.
One of the most notorious previous cases involved nearly 200 decomposing bodies discovered inside another Colorado funeral facility in Penrose, prompting lawmakers to strengthen oversight of the industry.
As the criminal case against the Cotter brothers moves through the courts, investigators continue working to identify additional remains and notify affected families.
The investigation remains active.
What are your thoughts on funeral home oversight? Do you believe stricter inspections and regulations are needed to help prevent cases like this? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.