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24 decomposing bodies removed from Colorado funeral home, investigators say

On August 20, inspectors found 24 decomposing bodies hidden behind a secret door at Davis Mortuary in Pueblo, Colorado, co-owned by Coroner Brian Cotter.
The discovery followed a regulatory inspection revealing improper storage of human remains and triggered an ongoing criminal investigation led by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
Investigators completed processing the mortuary, executed search warrants at Brian and Chris Cotter's homes, and transferred remains to El Paso County Coroner's Office for identification using dental x-rays, fingerprints, and DNA.
Brian Cotter acknowledged that some bodies had been kept for as long as 15 years and that he might have given families cremated remains that were not authentic, while the investigation has received 843 tips and 336 completed victim questionnaires.
Governor Jared Polis and local officials called for Cotter's resignation, a recall effort is underway with signature collection starting in 60 days, and coroner duties have been temporarily reassigned to neighboring counties.

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Pueblo County Medical Examiner Recall Election Estimated at $480,200

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KTLO) - Officials with the Pueblo County Clerk's Office announced that a recall election for county coroner Brian Cotter could cost taxpayers up to $480,200. Officials say residents have petitioned to remove Cotter in a recall election. This comes after the alleged discovery of 24 decomposing bodies at Davis Mortuary, which Cotter privately owns. Last week, Sheriff David Lucero said that not even a public official can remov…

11 days ago·Colorado Springs, United States

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