24 bodies discovered at Pueblo mortuary sparking investigation

In Pueblo, Colorado, a troubling investigation into the Davis Mortuary began after state inspectors discovered multiple deceased individuals at the establishment. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) indicated that the bodies, some of which may date back over 15 years, were not correctly documented, complicating the identification process. The discovery occurred last Wednesday when inspectors conducted a routine examination, which led to the removal of an unknown number of bodies and remains found in various stages of decomposition. After these findings, the CBI coordinated with local law enforcement, including the Pueblo Police Department, to initiate a thorough investigation, which also featured the involvement of the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office and local coroners. Authorities confirmed that 24 bodies had been recovered from the mortuary, all of which were treated with respect during the removal process. The situation has raised significant ethical concerns, leading to the suspension of the mortuary's license by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies. Co-owners, Brian Cotter, who is also the Pueblo County coroner, and his brother Chris Cotter, have faced scrutiny amidst the investigation. No arrests have been made yet; however, search warrants were executed at their residences which investigators indicate are part of the ongoing inquiry. Law enforcement has stated that both brothers are accounted for and not considered flight risks. Identifying the remains could take several months, as investigators will use techniques such as dental x-rays, fingerprints, and DNA analysis to match remains with living relatives. Recently, the Colorado Funeral Directors Association has expressed concern over the implications of the findings, instilling distress among families affected. Given the nature of the incident, the professional trust within the community has been deeply shaken, prompting calls for accountability and further investigation into the operational practices of the mortuary. The investigation underscored the need for regulatory oversight in mortuary practices, considering the significant and ethical implications surrounding the handling of deceased individuals. Experts and officials alike are keen to ensure that such breaches of trust do not continue within Colorado's funeral service industry. With the complexities of handling remains from individuals who may have died many years ago, the CBI is committed to identifying each individual respectfully and accurately, providing solace to families while seeking clarity regarding the circumstances surrounding the mortuary's operations.