Shocking Discovery at Colorado Funeral Home

State inspectors recently unearthed nearly 20 disassembled bodies concealed within a Colorado funeral home that is managed by the county’s elected medical examiner. Authorities have described this situation as a “deep violation of trust and heartbreaking betrayal.”

The remains, some thought to be lying there since 2015, were located in a hidden chamber at Davis Funeral Service, as reported in a press conference by the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.

The door to this concealed room was obscured by a cardboard display. Upon entering the room, the inspector was immediately struck by a “strong smell,” according to local reports citing state documents.

This funeral home has been operational since 2010, and it recently underwent its first annual inspection under a new oversight law that was put in place following a scandal in the area in 2023.

Armando Saldate III, the director of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), shared on Thursday that he had received credible information regarding improper preservation practices of human remains at this funeral home.

“This is a profound betrayal of trust,” he remarked, referring to the families who had entrusted their loved ones to this facility.

During the inspection, Brian Cotter, who has been the county coroner since 2014 and co-owns the funeral home with his brother Chris, discouraged the inspector from entering the room, pointing to records and reports.

Cotter stated that some body parts in the concealed area had been awaiting cremation for over a decade. Furthermore, it was mentioned by a family member that they might have received a false cremation certificate.

The state has since suspended the funeral home’s license, although the cremation license remains valid until November 2024. However, officials noted that no cremations have occurred there in approximately ten years.

Saldate emphasized that the investigation will focus on respectfully managing the scene and identifying all deceased individuals while notifying their families.

“This will be a thorough investigation,” he reiterated, adding that financial aspects would certainly be examined.

As of now, no formal claims have been leveled against the Cotter brothers, and while Brian Cotter is currently serving as Pueblo County Coroner, both remain under investigation without travel limitations. Brian Cotter has yet to respond to requests for comments.