20 Decomposing Bodies Hidden Behind Door at Colorado Funeral Home for 15 Years, Owner Admits Giving Fake Remains to Families By Gabrielle Rockson

Human bodies, “In various stages of decomposition,” have been discovered at a funeral home in Colorado.

On Thursday, Aug. 21, authorities confirmed that remains had been found in Davis Mortuary in Pueblo during an inspection the day before.

“The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies’ (DORA) Division of Professions and Occupations recently conducted an annual inspection at Davis Mortuary, located at 128 Broadway Ave in Pueblo,” a release by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) read. “As a result of that inspection, Davis Mortuary has been issued a summary suspension.

Authorities added, “During the inspection, authorities reported finding several bodies in various stages of decomposition.”

“The appointed designee for the funeral home, Brian Cotter, told inspectors that some of the bodies had been awaiting cremation for approximately 15 years. He also admitted that he may have given next-of-kin fake cremains,” the statement continued.

During a press conference on Thursday, shared by Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook, Sam Delp, the division director for the Colorado Department’s Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO), said inspectors said they found “around 20 or so” bodies.

He also confirmed the inspection had been Davis Mortuary’s first.

PEOPLE has contacted the Davis Mortuary, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and  the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies for further comment but did not immeditaley hear back.

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The bodies were allegedly found behind a door after the funeral home owner, Brian Cotter, told the inspectors not to go inside a room that had been covered by a cardboard display, according to ABC News.

Inspectors claimed they smelt a “strong odor of decomposition,” according to the outlet.

“Upon removing the cardboard display, Mr. Cotter asked the inspectors not to enter the room behind the previously hidden door,” a spokesperson told CBS News.

An official from the CBI said in Thursday’s conference that they were working to identify all the victims and contact their families.

“No formal charges have been filed at this time,” Pueblo County District Attorney Kala Beauvais, stated, adding that the investigation would be conducted by multiple agencies and won’t be “rushed. It’s gonna’ be long, it’s gonna’ be tedious and it’s gonna be thorough.”

Sheriff Lucero also said at the conference that Cotter’s brother is believed to be listed as a co-owner of the funeral home.

In another press release on behalf of the Twelfth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the CBI wrote,  “On August 18, 2025, the District Attorney’s Office responded to a citizen email reporting the discovery of human remains on his property located in the Wild Horse Mesa community in Costilla County.”

“The victim has not been identified at this time,” they continued. “Efforts are underway to determine the identity of the deceased individual and the circumstances surrounding their death.”

Officials added, “Further information will be released as it becomes available. The District Attorney’s Office continues to encourage citizens of Costilla County to bring their concerns to the District Attorney’s Office.”

The investigation remains ongoing.