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2h ago

Colorado Coroner’s Funeral Home Shut Down After Decomposing Bodies Found Behind Hidden Door

The discovery came during the mortuary’s first check under Colorado’s new oversight law, prompting a CBI criminal probe.

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The body of one of two suspects is loading into the coroner's van after they were shot and killed at the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Garrison Street in Lakewood, Colorado, on April 30, 2024. Thornton police had initiated pursuit of the suspects in a vehicle lacking license plates, trailing them for several miles before they crossed into Lakewood. According to police reports, one individual in the pursued vehicle disembarked and fired shots at Thornton officers. Subsequently, both suspects exited the vehicle, with one brandishing a firearm. Law enforcement officers responded by fatally shooting both suspects. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post)
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Overview

  • State inspectors conducting an annual visit to Davis Mortuary in Pueblo reported a strong odor, removed a cardboard display concealing a door, and found several bodies in various stages of decomposition after Brian Cotter asked them not to enter.
  • Cotter told inspectors some remains had awaited cremation for about 15 years and acknowledged he may have given families fake cremains.
  • Regulators at DORA issued a summary suspension alleging willful dishonest conduct, negligence and fraud, citing improper storage over capacity and failure to embalm, refrigerate, cremate, bury or entomb remains within 24 hours.
  • The Colorado Bureau of Investigation is leading a criminal investigation with local agencies; no charges have been filed as investigators process the scene, identify decedents and notify families.
  • Officials have not confirmed a precise count, describing the discovery as several bodies, while some outlets report roughly 20, and the case is being weighed in the context of recent statewide funeral-industry abuses and reforms.