Gov. Jared Polis and the Pueblo County sheriff are 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 was elected Pueblo’s coroner in 2014, told inspectors that he may have given fake cremated remains to the next of kin, CBI said. Cotter’s term is expected to end in 2027, according to the Pueblo County coroner’s website.
“There’s not a system in place right now that allows for the removal of an elected county official. We can’t remove them. The Board of County Commissioners can’t remove them and neither can the governor,” Sheriff David Lucero said at a news conference Friday. “We’re going to work with legislators to see what the process might look like in the future, but we’re navigating this day by day.”
As of Friday afternoon, no criminal charges have been filed in the case. Tenth Judicial District Attorney District Attorney Kala Beauvais asked for patience, saying any potential charges could only be filed after the criminal investigation is complete.
Pueblo Deputy Police Chief James Martin said the department is in contact with Cotter and he is not considered a flight risk.
Another option to remove an elected coroner would involve a resident-led petition and recall vote that would be very costly and time-consuming, Polis said.
“There needs to be some way, where in conjunction, the commissioners, the state, the governor, can act when needed to make sure that you have continuity of services for a very, very basic function that people rely on during life events,” the governor said.
Fremont and El Paso county coroners will take over day-to-day operations at the Pueblo County coroner’s office, Lucero said.
Polis called for Cotter’s resignation earlier Friday, citing a loss of trust among the community.
“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,” he said in a statement. “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.”
At least 20 bodies have been found inside the funeral home, but investigators in hazmat gear will continue to inspect the building and perform a “meticulous room-by-room search,” said Armando Saldate, director of CBI.
Saldate anticipated having a final number of victims by the weekend. Then, the Fremont and El Paso county coroners will help identify the bodies.
“We’re talking about an effort that could take many months.The state of some of the remains and the need for scientific confirmation, such as DNA analysis, means we must be thorough and deliberate to ensure accuracy,” he said.
Beauvis, the DA, did not provide a timeline for when her office will decide on criminal charges.
“Real life is not like TV shows where crimes are investigated, solved and convicted by a jury in 60 minutes. It’s a frustratingly long process, but it’s necessary,” Beauvais said.
Polis also declared an emergency disaster Friday to help bring in more resources to Pueblo County for the investigation of Davis Mortuary.
“This can’t be easy. And I think for most of us who are speaking today, even those who have seen some tough stuff, this will rank among some of the most difficult work that they do,” Polis said.
Inspectors discovered the bodies after noticing a “strong odor” inside the funeral home. Some investigators on scene at Davis Mortuary also worked the Return to Nature case in 2023, where owners stored 190 decaying bodies in a building in Penrose and sent grieving families fake ashes.
A judge rejected a plea deal Friday for Jon Hallford, who owned and operated the funeral home in Colorado Springs with his wife, Carie.
CBI has received more than 500 calls since Thursday to their tip and victims assistance hotline, Saldate said. Families who believe that their relatives may have been victims in the case, or are looking for more information, can call 719-257-3359 or email CBItips@state.co.us.