In late August 2025, investigators uncovered serious legal concerns at Davis Mortuary in Pueblo, Colorado, which is co-owned by then-Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter and his brother. Over the course of an investigation, state officials discovered more than 24 decomposing bodies that had been improperly stored over a period that potentially stretches back years. In addition, investigators found containers of partial human remains stored behind a concealed door in the facility.
These discoveries raise serious concerns about the mortuary’s standard of care for the deceased, along with the possibility that families may not have received authentic ashes over the course of several years.
The release of these findings prompted Governor Jared Polis to call for Cotter’s resignation, which Pueblo County Commissioners accepted in early September. Faced with the possibility of further improperly handled bodies, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) continues to oversee the case. As of now, no arrests or charges have been announced, and efforts to identify the bodies are ongoing.
Mortuary Negligence Can Be Devastating for Families
The improper handling of a loved one’s remains is more than a regulatory violation; it can be deeply traumatizing for surviving family members. Grieving a loved one is already a sensitive and difficult process, and learning that remains may have been mishandled often compounds that grief with shock, anger, or betrayal.
In many such situations, processing this shock requires counseling, therapy, or other forms of external support. The emotional injuries that stem from cases like these can often be as debilitating as physical ones, presenting families with uphill roads to recovery and stability.
A Pattern of Cases in Colorado
Unfortunately, this is not the first time that Colorado has faced a scandal involving improper treatment of the deceased. Just two years ago, investigators discovered that the Return to Nature Funeral Home in Penrose had stored nearly 200 bodies without proper care. The case left a heavy impact on the community, leading to arrests, criminal charges, and significant public concern.
In response, state lawmakers passed legislation requiring regular inspections and stricter licensing standards for funeral homes and mortuaries. It was under this new law that the inspection at Davis Mortuary took place, underscoring how the Return to Nature case directly contributed to uncovered problems in Pueblo.
The McDivitt Law firm has represented families affected by the Return to Nature case, and it shares similarities with the events unfolding in Pueblo. For families who are concerned that a loved one’s remains may have been mishandled, having an attorney present means that legal recourse and support are much more immediate and direct if traumatizing information comes to light.
Moving Forward
The Pueblo case underscores the importance of robust community oversight, transparent mortuary practices, and accountability within the industry. It also reminds us that the tragic mishandling of a loved one’s remains isn’t always an isolated incident, but a risk of negligence that both regulars and communities must remain vigilant against.
For families affected, the path forward often involves both legal accountability and personal healing. Counseling and support networks can play a crucial role in helping those affected process what has happened and find space to grieve with dignity. Similarly, legal representation is often a key element in pursuing damages and finding closure in cases of mortuary negligence.
McDivitt law firm is monitoring the situation closely. In the coming weeks, we will likely learn more about the identities of those affected, as well as see legal developments related to Brian Cotter’s ownership of the mortuary home. In our experience representing families affected by mortuary negligence, we’ve found that speaking to an attorney early offers the best chances at being heard during the ensuing legal developments.
If you or your family have concerns that you may have been impacted, we are prepared to speak with you, answer questions, and help you understand your options.
