After the unsettling discovery of 24 decomposing bodies and multiple containers of human remains hidden in a concealed room at a funeral parlor, families are anxiously awaiting updates on their deceased relatives. The distressing revelation occurred at Davis Mortuary in August during an inspection conducted by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies under a new state law.
Davis Mortuary, owned by former Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter and his brother Chris, came under scrutiny, leading to Brian’s resignation a week after the inspection. Out of the 24 bodies recovered, six have been identified, and their families have been informed following a meticulous identification process.
According to CBI Assistant Director of Investigations Clint Thomason, the majority of the bodies are believed to be individuals who passed away between 2010 and 2012. The investigation is hindered by the mortuary’s reliance on paper records, requiring manual review that could extend the identification process for several months.
It has been confirmed that charges will only be filed after all bodies are identified, with investigators collaborating closely with the district attorney to ensure a comprehensive legal approach. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will continue identifying the remaining 18 bodies using dental records, fingerprints, and DNA analysis.
One man, John Cordova, disclosed that his granddaughter was among the bodies discovered at Davis Mortuary. Tragically, Cordova’s daughter lost her baby in 2012, and the family had entrusted Davis Mortuary for the baby’s cremation. The recent revelation has reopened old wounds for the family, prompting numerous unanswered questions.
Cordova expressed his disappointment and disbelief, stating that this revelation is just the beginning of seeking justice for his family. The CBI has refrained from disclosing the identities or ages of the identified remains.