CBI: ‘Several containers of probable human tissue’ located in Davis Mortuary investigation
Celeste Springer
PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) — The Colorado Bureau of Investigations (CBI) released new details in the investigation into Davis Mortuary and owners Brian and Chris Cotter.
According to the CBI, a total of 24 bodies were located at Davis Mortuary. Additionally, “multiple containers of bones and several containers of probable human tissue” were also located. It’s unknown how many people are tied to the containers of bones and human tissue.
Brian and Chris Cotter are co-owners of Davis Mortuary. Brian Cotter is also the standing Pueblo County Coroner. The mortuary made nationwide headlines last week after 13 Investigates was the first to break the story that it was under investigation.
Brian Cotter reportedly told inspectors that some of the bodies had been in the room for roughly 15 years, and that he “may” have given some families fake cremains.
According to Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) documents, the mortuary was due for its first annual inspection when inspectors found bodies in various states of decay in a room hidden by a cardboard display.
On Friday morning, the CBI descended onto the homes of Brian and Chris Cotter. The CBI said they were executing search warrants, but did not elaborate further. The CBI made no mention of any remains located at the homes; the human tissue and bones were all found across town at the mortuary, they said.
A KRDO13 crew at the scene of Brian Cotter’s home saw investigators carrying out bags of evidence on Tuesday morning. Brian Cotter was also there, standing outside as the search was underway. Investigators were on scene for hours and left with pieces of evidence, including what appeared to be a piece of a desktop computer. A KRDO13 crew also saw investigators motioning to Cotter’s RV on the property. It’s unclear if it’s of any interest, but neighbors say they haven’t seen it moved in years.
“It is a surprise. I hope that justice prevails,” said neighbor Louis Reyes. “I want to see justice.”
As of publication, criminal charges have not been brought forth for Brian or Chris Cotter. The district attorney’s office said it must finish the investigation before evaluating potential charges.
The CBI says they have not questioned either of the brothers, as they have lawyered up.
The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners announced late on Tuesday afternoon that a recall petition for Brian Cotter has been filed. According to a spokesperson for the county, if the recall petition clears legal requirements, petitioners will have 60 days to collect 16,431 valid signatures. From there, the signatures are verified. If everything checks out, the issue will head to voters, who will decide whether to remove Cotter from office.
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