Colorado Department of Corrections had contract with Cotter brothers

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) - On Wednesday, KRDO13 investigates uncovered a contract agreement between the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) and the Cotter Family Funeral Services.

A spokesperson with CDOC sent this statement:

The Colorado Department of Corrections is aware of the allegations against the Pueblo County Coroner and Cotter Family Funeral Services. We will not comment on these allegations as the investigation is ongoing. 

The Colorado Department of Corrections began a contract for cremation services with Cotter Family Funeral Services on January 1, 2024, and the contract ended on June 30, 2025. We currently work with local vendors for cremation services.

In the agreement, Cotter Family Funeral Services, also known as Davis Mortuary, was set to provide cremation services for both CDOC and privately owned correctional facilities. The agreement details that in the event of an inmate's death, the Cotter Family Funeral Services would pick up, store and cremate the person who passed.

The contract outlines a base pay of $669 per cremation. The vendor, Cotter Family Funeral Services, would also be paid an additional $225-$1490 to pick up the deceased. The value varies depending on the distance from the contractor's service area.

KRDO13 Investigates asked CDOC how much money was paid to the Cotter brothers during the contract. The department says they have received our request and are working on an answer as of Wednesday night.

The Cotter's license to perform cremations expired in 2024, according to the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).

"The statements that they [Brian Cotter] made to the inspectors was that they've not actually done any cremations at that facility in, I want to say, at least ten years. Even though the license was active until November of 2024 for the crematory," stated Sam Delp, with DORA.

DORA previously noted that Davis Crematory also operated at the same location as Davis Mortuary, under registration number CM.000548. The registration for Davis Crematory was originally issued on January 5, 2010, and expired on November 30, 2024.

Since Cotter's crematory license expired, the DOC reports that 32 people died while in prison through July 2025. So, if Cotter wasn't doing cremations, it raises the question of where did the people who died in prison go? KRDO13 Investigates spoke with an employee from Montgomery and Steward, a Pueblo funeral service, who said they would do the cremations. The employee said Cotter would text or call them to say they had another prisoner case.

In the fine print of the Cotter Family Funeral Services agreement with DOC, there is a section outlining that services should not be subcontracted out to any other vendor, unless approved by the state. KRDO13 Investigates asked the state if they were aware of this. CDOC responded to our request on Friday and sent the statement below.

The contract between the CDOC and Cotter Family Funeral Services began on January 1, 2024, and ended on December 31, 2024. A contract was awarded to a new vendor through the normal RFP process. 

DOC’s contract with Cotter Family Funeral Services outlined the specifics of our engagement with them. We are appalled by the conduct discovered by the Department of Regulatory Agencies. 

At this time, we can provide the following information:

• The Colorado Department of Corrections utilized the services of Cotter Family Funeral Services for a total of 42 services.
• The total amount paid to Cotter Family Funeral Services since the contract began is $51,849.00.
• Since December 1, 2024, the total amount paid to Cotter Family Funeral Services is $19,216.00.

The Colorado Department of Corrections is actively working to ensure all records are thoroughly reviewed. We appreciate the public's patience as we navigate this process.

Previously, the CDOC had a contract with Cappadona Funeral Home in Colorado Springs, which permanently closed in 2023.

KRDO13 Investigates reached out to both attorneys representing Chris and Brian Cotter. Brian Cotter's attorney had no comment. Chris Cotter's attorney has yet to respond as of Wednesday night.

KRDO13 Investigates has been digging into the Cotter brothers and the state investigation since we first broke the story. You can find all of our coverage here.

Stay up to date with the latest local news, sports, and investigations by downloading the KRDO13 app. Click here to download it from the Apple App Store. Android users can download it from Google Play here.