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Massive Discovery of Decomposed Bodies at Colorado Funeral Home

Authorities uncovered approximately 20 decayed human remains hidden behind a concealed door in a Pueblo funeral home. The bodies were found during an inspection of Davis Mortuary, where a strong smell of decomposition led investigators to a secret room behind a cardboard-covered entryway.

The funeral home’s owner and county coroner, Brian Cotter, reportedly requested inspectors not to access the hidden area. He stated that some bodies had been awaiting cremation for about 15 years, and families might have been given false remains of their loved ones.

Colorado officials expressed outrage, calling this a severe breach of trust. The state’s investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet determined the precise number of deceased. Efforts are underway to process the scene respectfully, identify the bodies, and notify families. Evidence collection involved hazardous materials-trained officers, and the funeral home has been temporarily suspended.

The suspension of Davis Mortuary results from violations involving the handling of human remains. The business failed to perform timely embalming or cremation, neglecting to properly care for the bodies within 24 hours of taking custody, as outlined in the disciplinary order.

Despite the disturbing findings, Cotter has not been taken into custody, and no charges have been filed yet. He and his brother, who purchased the funeral home in 1989, come from a family with a history in funeral services, but oversight of Colorado funeral homes has historically been weak, lacking routine inspections and qualification standards.

This case follows a recent string of similar abuses in the state, including a nearby facility where nearly 200 decomposing bodies were stored for months, and another involved a funeral home in Colorado Springs accused of defrauding families with false cremation and burial services, including mishandling remains and burying the wrong bodies.

Investigators involved in this case have prior experience handling such grim crimes. The investigation continues, as officials work to uncover the full extent of the misconduct.

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