Share and Follow
(PUEBLO, Colo.) Initial processing of Davis Mortuary in Pueblo has been completed, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said 24 bodies have been removed from the mortuary, along with “containers of bones” and several containers of “probable human tissue.”
The remains were initially discovered on Wednesday, Aug. 20, during a Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) inspection. The inspection was the first for Davis Mortuary following the implementation of new legislation requiring yearly inspections at mortuaries and funeral homes.
Along with the CBI, multiple other agencies are assisting with the criminal investigation, including the Pueblo Police Department, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, and the 10th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
On Tuesday, Aug. 26, the CBI provided an update and confirmed 24 bodies had been removed from the mortuary and respectfully transferred to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office. In addition to the bodies, the CBI said investigators had also removed “multiple containers of bones and several containers of probable human tissue representing an unknown number of deceased individuals.”
The El Paso County Coroner’s Office will begin the work of identifying the remains.
Also on Tuesday, the CBI said it had executed search warrants at the homes of Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter and his brother, Chris Cotter, who are listed as joint owners of Davis Mortuary.
-
Colorado Bureau of Investigation executes search warrant at Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter’s home after improperly stored remains discovered at Cotter’s privately owned mortuary, Davis Mortuary. Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Jaiden Kelsey -
Colorado Bureau of Investigation executes search warrant at Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter’s home after improperly stored remains discovered at Cotter’s privately owned mortuary, Davis Mortuary. Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Jaiden Kelsey -
Colorado Bureau of Investigation executes search warrant at Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter’s home after improperly stored remains discovered at Cotter’s privately owned mortuary, Davis Mortuary. Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Jaiden Kelsey -
Colorado Bureau of Investigation executes search warrant at Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter’s home after improperly stored remains discovered at Cotter’s privately owned mortuary, Davis Mortuary. Courtesy: FOX21 News photojournalist Jaiden Kelsey
The preliminary investigation at Davis Mortuary has concluded, the CBI said, and the building remains locked and secured, with access restricted to law enforcement.
“The CBI has not questioned Brian and Chris Cotter, as both men have retained legal counsel. No arrests have been made at this time,” the CBI said in its Aug. 26 update. “Neither man is considered a flight risk. The investigation is ongoing and will continue to determine what charges are appropriate.”
The CBI has established a dedicated victim assistance line at (719) 257-3359 and an email at CBITips@state.co.us for families who may have used the services of Davis Mortuary. The CBI is also encouraging families to fill out a questionnaire to assist with the investigative process.
As of noon on Tuesday, the CBI has received 843 tips, and 336 people have filled out the victim information questionnaire.
