(PUEBLO, Colo.) The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has concluded an initial investigation at Davis Mortuary in Pueblo, where they removed 24 bodies, as well as “containers of bones” and several containers of “presumed human tissue.”
These discoveries were made on Wednesday, Aug. 20, during a Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) inspection. This was the first inspection for Davis Mortuary following the introduction of a new law that mandates annual inspections of mortuaries and funeral homes.
Besides the CBI, the investigation is being assisted by the Pueblo Police Department, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, and the 10th Judicial District Attorney’s Office.
On Tuesday, Aug. 26, the CBI released an update, confirming the removal of 24 bodies, which have been respectfully transferred to the El Paso County Coroner’s Office. Additionally, investigators have taken “multiple containers of bones and several containers of probable human tissue” from the mortuary.
The El Paso County Coroner’s Office will begin the work of identifying the remains.
On the same day, the CBI executed search warrants at the residences of Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter and his brother, Chris Cotter, joint owners of Davis Mortuary.
The CBI noted that their preliminary investigation at Davis Mortuary is complete, with the building now locked and secured, only accessible to law enforcement personnel.
“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.
