August 25, 2025 -CBI- PUEBLO, CO—The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and its public safety partners are providing an updated press release on the ongoing criminal investigation into the Davis Mortuary, a business owned by Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter and his brother Chris Cotter. The investigation, led by the CBI with assistance from the Pueblo Police Department, Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office, The 10th Judicial District Attorney and coroners from El Paso and Fremont counties, began after an unknown number of bodies and cremains were discovered by inspectors from the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) on Wednesday, August 20. DORA has since suspended the license of Davis Mortuary.
Over the weekend, all the bodies were respectfully removed from the mortuary. The process of identifying the remains is expected to take months due to the condition of the remains and the unverified record keeping at Davis Mortuary.
To identify the deceased, investigators will use dental x-rays, fingerprints, and DNA samples. Given the state of the remains, which investigators believe could be at least 15 years old in some cases, a DNA comparison with samples voluntarily submitted by family members will be a key part of the process. As a result, an accurate figure on the number of bodies and cremains is not yet available, though the CBI acknowledges the number is more than 20 bodies and hopes to provide a more accurate figure when it becomes available in the near future.
No arrests have been made at this time. However, law enforcement confirms they know the whereabouts of Mr. Cotter and his brother and have no reason to believe either is a flight risk.
The CBI has received 841 calls on its victim assistance line as of 12:50 p.m. on Monday, August 25. Every person who has called or emailed will be contacted by the CBI. The dedicated victim assistance line for the Davis Mortuary investigation is (719) 257-3359. Information can also be sent via email to CBITips@state.co.us.
The CBI has created a questionnaire to assist with the investigative process for families who may have sought out services at Davis Mortuary. The CBI wants to clarify that it is not possible to obtain DNA results from ashes or cremains.
While Colorado Governor Jared Polis requested his resignation along with Pueblo city and county elected leaders, Brian Cotter has not yet stepped down as Pueblo County Coroner. The Colorado Coroner's Association has removed him from his position as Secretary of its board.
Updates will be provided as they become available.