Authorities find another Colorado funeral home allegedly stockpiling bodies

Authorities in Colorado announced an investigation into a county coroner whose mortuary allegedly stockpiled corpses. It happened just miles from the scene of a strikingly similar crime that also saw nearly 200 decaying bodies stashed in a funeral home.

Pueblo investigation

This latest investigation focuses on Davis Mortuary in Pueblo. Brian Cotter, one of the owners of the mortuary who’s also the county coroner, reportedly asked inspectors to avoid the room where several bodies were being stored.

“We are at the very beginning of a thorough and methodical investigation,” Armando Saldate III, director of the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, said in a news conference covered by 9News. “Our top priorities are to respectfully and humanely process the scene, identify all the deceased and notify their families and loved ones.”

Cotter reportedly admitted to giving family members fake remains and delaying cremations for years. He said some bodies had been awaiting cremation for 15 years.

Investigators said they received statements from people at the funeral home who said the location held about 20 bodies.

“We are taking this matter with the seriousness that it deserves,” Kayla Beauvais, Pueblo County District Attorney, said. “We understand the importance of the trust within the system and that it is earned through action and accountability. This will undoubtedly be an emotional journey for families affected, and our hearts go out to them. We will work to ensure that they have guidance and are treated with fairness, respect and dignity throughout this process.”

Cotter and his brother, who co-owns the mortuary, have yet to be charged with any crimes. However, officials have suspended operations at Davis Mortuary.

Penrose investigation

About thirty minutes away in Penrose, owner Jon Hallford and his staff were accused of storing 190 decaying bodies in a rundown building, sending grieving families fake ashes and defrauding the government out of nearly $1 million. Hallford pleaded guilty to the charges in 2024.

Friday’s hearing, covered by Fox 21 in Colorado Springs, was on sentencing for state charges of corpse abuse. However, the judge rejected the plea agreement after hearing statements from relatives of the deceased.

Bentley asked Hallford’s team if Hallford would withdraw his guilty plea, to which the defense asked for two weeks to make that determination. They’re due back in court on Sept. 12.

Hallford already received the maximum possible sentence of 20 years in prison for wire fraud in June.

Several of the investigators who worked on that case are now on the new case in Pueblo.

“Those investigators are on the premises executing search warrants to collect evidence and document the full scope of this tragedy,” Saldate said.

Colorado law changes

These cases follow significant changes in Colorado law.

“The key to putting an end to this, although I doubt that it will ever end, is inspections,” Mike Nicodemus, Vice President of Cremation Services for the National Funeral Directors Association, told Straight Arrow News. “As far as having the state inspectors check these places, unannounced, and just show up. Here I am, and let me see your facility. You know, that’s one way this is going to put an end to this.”

In May 2024, Gov. Jared Polis signed into law the Sunset Continue Mortuary Science Code Regulation bill. That law requires funeral homes and crematories to be inspected on a routine basis.

Law enforcement said these cases are proof that the law is working.

“We will continue to support the efforts to locate problems within this industry and those others that we regulate,” Deputy Sam Wolfe of the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office said. “I want to reiterate our support for loved ones impacted by these events and through the investigation. I’m hopeful that we can provide some information to them over time.”

Nicodemus said it’s important for states to regulate this industry.

“I’m 150% in favor of new legislation, tighter restrictions on funeral homes and crematories,” Nicodemus said. “And if you don’t want to play by the rules that they laid down, then get out.”

What to look for in a funeral home

Nicodemus, a funeral director with 50 years of experience, has some valuable tips for those who have lost loved ones.

“I go to the funeral home, and I ask them specific questions on the crematory,” Nicodemus said. “Where is the crematory? Is it nearby? Or is it 30 miles away? And I would like to be present on the day of the cremation and to watch the start of the cremation process.”

He said there are some red flags to look out for, including if the funeral home appears to be hiding anything.

“If they say, ‘oh, well, we don’t do that,’ that’s not part of our services we do. We know our third party doesn’t want people down there. Well, why not? Why don’t they want people down there?” Nicodemus said.