In Pueblo, Colorado, funeral directors Brian Cotter, 65, and his brother Chris Cotter, 60, have been charged with 125 felony counts of abuse of a corpse, along with forgery and theft charges. The accusations stem from the discovery of at least two dozen decomposing bodies, piles of bones, and 83 containers of cremains hidden behind a secret door at their Davis Mortuary.
Last August, state inspectors visited the Cotters' funeral home, noting a strong odor of decomposition. When they attempted to investigate a closed door concealed behind a cardboard display, Brian Cotter reportedly asked them not to open it. Inspectors proceeded and uncovered a macabre scene with human remains in various states of decay.
According to Colorado Bureau of Investigation documents, Brian Cotter admitted that some bodies had been improperly stored for up to 15 years and that he had provided fake cremains to families. The mortuary was subsequently shut down, and Brian Cotter resigned from his position as county coroner.
The discovery has led to a lengthy investigation, with families providing DNA samples to identify their loved ones. Authorities have identified 19 of the 24 intact or semi-intact bodies, but are still working to identify the remaining five, as well as the bones and human tissue. It is unlikely the 83 unmarked cremains will be identified.
Families are expressing anger and grief, particularly after the Cotter brothers were granted bond and released from jail on June 26, less than a day after their arrest. The brothers have not yet entered a plea to the charges. "Not a safety risk? That's laughable. That judge doesn't give a damn about us," said John Cordova, a childhood friend of the brothers who entrusted them with his granddaughter's remains.
Several families have filed lawsuits against the Cotters, alleging deception and betrayal during their most vulnerable moments. The investigation also uncovered evidence of financial misconduct, including the alleged misappropriation of funds from pre-need funeral contracts, leading to the theft charges.
CBI Director Armando Saldate III stated that the investigation revealed "a complete disregard for the dignity of the deceased and a profound betrayal of the trust placed in Davis Mortuary by families." District Attorney Kala Beauvais has pledged to provide clarity and closure for the affected families, who have criticized the ten-month delay in arrests and a perceived lack of transparency.