• Colorado officials found decomposing remains of around 20 people at Davis Mortuary in Pueblo.
• Coroner Brian Cotter will resign Sept. 2 after state investigators revoked his funeral home license.
• Gov. Jared Polis demanded Cotter’s resignation, calling the misconduct “sickening” and urging accountability.

PUEBLO, Colo. (TDR) — The grim discovery of around 20 decomposing bodies inside Davis Mortuary has prompted Brian Cotter, the embattled Pueblo County coroner and co-owner of the funeral home, to announce his resignation. The remains were uncovered Aug. 20 during the mortuary’s first-ever inspection, despite Cotter’s apparent efforts to block entry.

Following the shocking findings, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) immediately revoked Cotter’s business license. Days later, Cotter suffered what his attorney described as a “cardiac event” and was briefly hospitalized. In a statement, Cotter confirmed he will step down officially on Sept. 2.

Resignation Under Pressure

“Mr. Cotter acted swiftly to prioritize the concerns of the public as it relates to his position as Coroner,” his attorney said, according to CBS News. The resignation comes after Gov. Jared Polis demanded Cotter leave office, citing the disgraceful breach of public trust.

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“I’m sickened for the families of the loved ones who are impacted by this unacceptable misconduct,” Polis said in a statement Aug. 22. “It is clear public trust has been lost and Mr. Cotter must resign as the Pueblo County Coroner immediately. He should be investigated and if warranted, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Polis added that families must never have to doubt that their loved ones will be treated with dignity.

Deception Alleged

Investigators say Cotter misled inspectors when they arrived for the inspection. Behind a cardboard display blocking a door, officials uncovered the decomposing remains. Cotter reportedly asked them not to enter. According to ABC News, the bodies had been stored for years — some for as long as 15 years.

Incredibly, Cotter also admitted he may have handed out fake remains to families who believed they were receiving ashes of their loved ones.

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During a press conference, Pueblo County Sheriff’s officials described the discovery as “deeply disturbing.” The CBI is now working to identify the victims and notify families.

Community Outrage

The revelations have left Pueblo families horrified. Local leaders say Cotter’s alleged misconduct is “a betrayal of sacred trust.” The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies faces criticism for failing to inspect Davis Mortuary sooner.

Public outrage mounted after revelations that Cotter not only hid bodies but also continued operating his business as county coroner, blurring professional lines and raising questions about oversight.

Investigation Continues

Though no charges have been filed, authorities say the investigation is ongoing and could result in criminal prosecution. Legal experts warn Cotter could face counts ranging from abuse of a corpse to fraud.

The CBI has pledged to work with local and federal agencies to ensure families receive answers. Officials vowed to review funeral home oversight across Colorado to prevent similar scandals.

How could nearly two dozen bodies lie hidden in plain sight for years — and what does this say about accountability in public office?

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