Gov. Jared Polis is calling for the Pueblo County coroner’s immediate resignation after state inspectors found several decomposing bodies behind a hidden door in his private funeral home, some of which were awaiting cremation for more than 15 years.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation launched a criminal investigation Thursday after the bodies were discovered during an inspection of Davis Mortuary in Pueblo. It was the first inspection at the funeral home, mandated under a new law that aimed to strengthen Colorado’s funeral home regulations.
Brian Cotter, who has served as Pueblo’s coroner since 2014, told inspectors that he may have given the next-of-kin fake cremated remains, CBI said.
No criminal charges have been filed.
“I’m sickened for the families of the loved ones who are impacted by this unacceptable misconduct. It is clear public trust has been lost and Mr. Cotter must resign as the Pueblo County Coroner immediately,” Polis said in a statement Friday. “He should be investigated and if warranted, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. No one should ever have to wonder if their loved one is being taken care of with dignity and respect after they’ve passed, and Mr. Cotter must be held to account for his actions.”
Coroners are elected positions in Colorado. Cotter’s term is expected to end in 2027, according to the Pueblo County coroner’s website.
Polis also declared an emergency disaster Friday to help bring in more resources to Pueblo County for the investigation of Davis Mortuary.
Inspectors discovered the bodies after noticing a “strong odor” inside the funeral home. Behind a hidden door, which they did not enter, they saw an estimated 20 bodies, Sam Delp, director of DORA’s Division of Professions and Occupations said on Thursday.
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