Pueblo County Coroner Accused of Hiding Decomposing Bodies: What Families Need to Know
A shocking case of alleged funeral home negligence has emerged in Colorado, where Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter is accused of hiding decomposing bodies behind a concealed door at his privately-owned funeral home. This disturbing discovery has left families questioning their trust in funeral professionals and highlights the importance of proper oversight in the death care industry.
The Disturbing Discovery at Davis Mortuary
During a routine annual inspection on August 21, 2025, state inspectors from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) made a horrific discovery at Davis Mortuary in Pueblo. What began as a standard inspection quickly turned into a criminal investigation when officials noticed a strong odor of decomposition and found a door hidden behind a cardboard display.
When inspectors attempted to investigate the concealed room, Cotter reportedly asked them not to enter. However, inspectors proceeded with their duty and discovered several bodies in various stages of decomposition. Even more alarming, Cotter admitted that some of these bodies had been stored in this hidden room for approximately 15 years.
The Scope of the Alleged Negligence
According to state documents, the allegations against Cotter and Davis Mortuary include:
- Improper Storage of Human Remains: Bodies were found decomposing in an unauthorized, concealed room
- Operating Beyond Capacity: The funeral home exceeded its refrigeration capacity for storing human remains
- Fraudulent Practices: Cotter allegedly admitted to issuing fake cremated remains to families
- Willful Dishonest Conduct: State regulators accused the mortuary of deliberate deception
This case bears disturbing similarities to the Return to Nature Funeral Home scandal in Penrose, Colorado, where 190 bodies were found abandoned and decomposing. That case resulted in a $950 million judgment against the funeral home operators.
Understanding Your Rights as a Grieving Family
When funeral homes fail in their fundamental duty to treat deceased loved ones with dignity and respect, families have legal recourse. The alleged actions at Davis Mortuary represent some of the most serious types of funeral negligence, including several issues outlined in our guide to the top 10 most common types of funeral negligence.
Types of Negligence Potentially Involved
The Davis Mortuary case may involve multiple forms of negligence:
- Mishandling of Remains: Improper storage leading to decomposition violates basic standards of care
- Fraudulent Cremation Services: Providing fake cremated remains constitutes serious fraud
- Unauthorized Actions: Operating beyond licensed capacity and concealing bodies from regulators
- Breach of Trust: Families paid for proper care and received deception instead
Legal Implications for Affected Families
Families who entrusted their loved ones to Davis Mortuary may have grounds for legal action. Colorado funeral home negligence cases can result in compensation for:
- Emotional Distress: The trauma of discovering improper treatment of a loved one’s remains
- Funeral Expenses: Costs incurred for services that were not properly performed
- Additional Costs: Expenses for proper handling, reburial, or cremation
- Punitive Damages: In cases of willful misconduct or fraud
Can You Sue for Emotional Distress?
The psychological impact of learning that a loved one’s remains were improperly handled can be devastating. Families may wonder, “Can you sue a funeral home for emotional distress?” The answer is often yes, particularly in cases involving such egregious misconduct.
The Importance of Proper Funeral Home Oversight
This case highlights critical gaps that can exist in funeral home oversight. The discovery at Davis Mortuary occurred only because Colorado recently changed its laws to require annual inspections of funeral homes. Without this regulatory change, the alleged misconduct might have continued indefinitely.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Families should be aware of potential red flags when working with funeral homes:
- Unusual Delays: Extended delays in cremation or burial without explanation
- Restricted Access: Being denied reasonable access to view or visit the deceased
- Poor Communication: Evasive answers about timelines or procedures
- Unprofessional Facilities: Strong odors, poor maintenance, or suspicious areas
Embalming and Body Preservation Standards
Proper body preservation in funeral homes requires following strict protocols to maintain dignity and prevent decomposition. The alleged conditions at Davis Mortuary represent a complete failure of these basic standards.
Professional funeral homes must maintain:
- Proper refrigeration systems for body storage
- Timely embalming when required
- Appropriate facilities licensed for the number of bodies being stored
- Transparent record-keeping and communication with families
When these standards fail, the results can be traumatic for families and may constitute serious embalming errors or negligence.
Steps to Take If You’re Affected
If you believe your family may have been affected by the alleged misconduct at Davis Mortuary or similar issues at other funeral homes, consider these steps:
Immediate Actions
- Gather Documentation: Collect all contracts, receipts, and communications with the funeral home
- Document Your Experience: Write down dates, conversations, and any concerning incidents
- Contact Authorities: Report suspected misconduct to state regulators and law enforcement
- Seek Support: Connect with counseling services to address emotional trauma
Legal Consultation
Consider consulting with an attorney experienced in funeral home negligence cases. An experienced lawyer can:
- Evaluate the strength of your potential case
- Help you understand your legal rights and options
- Navigate complex regulations and legal procedures
- Seek appropriate compensation for damages suffered
Filing Complaints Against Funeral Homes
Families affected by funeral home negligence have the option to file complaints with state regulatory agencies. In Colorado, complaints should be directed to:
Colorado State Board of Funeral Home and Burial Service Operators
Phone: 303-894-7800
Filing complaints can:
- Trigger investigations into funeral home practices
- Help protect other families from similar treatment
- Create official records that may support legal action
- Prompt regulatory changes to prevent future misconduct
Moving Forward: Seeking Justice and Healing
The alleged actions at Davis Mortuary represent a profound betrayal of trust during families’ most vulnerable moments. While nothing can undo the trauma of learning that a loved one’s remains were improperly handled, holding responsible parties accountable serves multiple purposes:
- Justice for Victims: Ensuring those responsible face consequences for their actions
- Compensation for Damages: Helping families recover costs and receive compensation for suffering
- Preventing Future Harm: Creating incentives for proper conduct throughout the industry
- Closure for Families: Providing a sense that wrongs have been addressed
Ongoing Investigation and Industry Impact
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has taken over the criminal investigation from the Pueblo Police, given their experience with the Return to Nature Funeral Home case. No charges have been filed yet, but state officials have confirmed they are cooperating fully with law enforcement.
This case highlights ongoing challenges in funeral home oversight across Colorado and the nation. The discovery occurred only because Colorado recently implemented mandatory annual inspections for funeral homes—a regulatory change prompted by previous scandals in the industry.
What This Means for the Funeral Industry
The Davis Mortuary allegations represent the latest in a series of high-profile funeral home scandals that have shaken public confidence in the death care industry. These cases underscore the need for:
- Enhanced regulatory oversight and inspection protocols
- Stricter licensing requirements for funeral home operators
- Greater transparency in funeral home operations
- Improved consumer protections for grieving families
The discovery at Davis Mortuary serves as a stark reminder that even those entrusted with the most sacred responsibility—caring for our deceased loved ones—can fail catastrophically in their duties. As this investigation continues, it will likely prompt further discussions about how to protect families during their most vulnerable moments better.
This is a developing story. Families who believe they may have been affected by issues at Davis Mortuary are encouraged to contact the Colorado State Board of Funeral Home and Burial Service Operators and consider consulting with legal professionals experienced in funeral home negligence cases.
