The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and the 10th Judicial District Attorney's Office have announced a combined 152 criminal charges each against Brian Lee Cotter, 64, and Christopher Aaron Cotter, 60, both of Pueblo, following an investigation into the operations of Davis Mortuary at 128 Broadway Avenue in Pueblo.

Both men face identical charges: 125 counts of Abuse of a Corpse (Class 6 Felony, encompassing 24 bodies, 83 cremains, 16 sets of bones, and 2 containers of human tissue), 9 counts of Forgery (Class 5 Felony), 9 counts of Theft (Class 5 Felony), 9 counts of Theft (Class 6 Felony), 7 counts of Theft (Class 1 Misdemeanor), and 2 counts of Theft (Class 2 Misdemeanor).

The investigation began in August 2025 after a surprise inspection by the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies uncovered significant irregularities at the facility, including human remains stored in concealed, unauthorized areas. Executing search warrants between August 22 and August 26, 2025, investigators recovered 24 human bodies and numerous skeletal remains stored in conditions that grossly violated professional and ethical standards. A substantial number of containers marked as cremated remains were found in disarray, with many lacking proper identification. Forensic anthropological analysis confirmed that many samples contained human skeletal material.

Of the 24 human bodies recovered, the CBI — with assistance from the Pueblo County, El Paso County, Douglas County, Custer County, and Fremont County coroner's offices — identified 19 bodies. Two additional identities were made from human tissue discovered in containers at the mortuary site.

"The evidence uncovered during this investigation reveals a complete disregard for the dignity of the deceased and the trust placed in Davis Mortuary by families in our community," said CBI Director Armando Saldate. "We are committed to ensuring that those responsible for these actions are held accountable."

10th Judicial District Attorney Kala Beauvais added, "We are dedicated to providing as much clarity and closure as possible for the families whose loved ones were entrusted to this funeral home."

The investigation also identified evidence of systemic financial and administrative misconduct, including falsification of government documents such as death certificates and misappropriation of funds from preneed funeral contracts. Evidence indicated that Davis Mortuary failed to properly deposit required funds into trust accounts as mandated by Colorado law.