PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners announced they have received the resignation of Coroner Brian Cotter, after investigators allegedly found 24 decomposing bodies hidden in the mortuary he runs with his brother.
Statement from the County:
The Pueblo County Board of Commissioners has received the resignation of Coroner Brian Cotter.
The BOCC will be working diligently on the next steps in the process to fill the vacancy as outlined by law.
We want to assure the community that county services will continue without interruption during this transition.
We are committed to transparency and will provide regular updates as this process moves forward.
The letter was sent from Cotter's attorney, stating that Cotter was "hospitalized for a cardiac event following the events of August 20, 2025. Following his discharge, he’s acted swiftly to prioritize the concerns of the public as it relates to his position as Coroner."
Cotter's attorney goes on to say, "he hereby announces his retirement and submits his resignation for your acceptance pursuant to C.R.S. § 30-10-105(1)(b) with an effective date of September 2, 2025."
Earlier today, before the resignation, KRDO13 learned that a recall election would've cost the taxpayers upwards of $480,200.
Below is the entire resignation letter provided by officials:
Dear Board of County Commissioners:
I am writing in my capacity as counsel for Pueblo County Coroner Brian L. Cotter. Mr. Cotter was hospitalized for a cardiac event following the events of August 20, 2025. Following his discharge, he’s acted swiftly to prioritize the concerns of the public as it relates to his position as Coroner.
To that end, he hereby announces his retirement and submits his resignation for your acceptance pursuant to C.R.S. § 30-10-105(1)(b) with an effective date of September 2, 2025. Please permit this letter to operate with the full force and effect as a direct communication from Mr. Cotter, and know he will provide his own written statement with his signature when he is able, as soon as possible.
Mr. Cotter has been a dedicated public servant to the people of Pueblo since 2014. He offers this resignation as a final act of public service, thus allowing the Coroner’s Office to continue its superb service to the people of this community—a public that Mr. Cotter holds dear.
Courtesy of Board of County Commissioners
According to officials, the county will be working to fill the spot of county coroner.
Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham sent the following comment following Cotter's resignation:
"It’s about damn time Brian Cotter has resigned. This is good news for the residents of the city and county of Pueblo who are experiencing pain and uncertainty. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families.
Many partners including Pueblo Police Department continue to investigate their findings and do their due diligence in this extensive process of the criminal investigation with Davis Mortuary."
The major wasn't the only member of the Pueblo community to express their relief.
"I was actually really excited. I was like, about time. I'm relieved… I mean, it's kind of like maybe admitting guilt in a way, like he knows he did something wrong. There really is no logical explanation for it either."
Kahli Roth used Davis Mortuary for her mother last year, "It’s showing you that it’s going in the right direction. Justice hasn’t prevailed yet, we’re still in the middle of an investigation, but he knows he’s lost the trust of the community."
Roth says she feels duped and still questions whether the ashes she keeps are truly her mother's.
"I'm still wondering if my mom is really my mom or is it something else?"
Roth tells KRDO13 that though she is happy to hear the latest news, the resignation doesn't take the pain away.
"With my mom just being cremated a year ago… it’s like reliving it all over again. For all the other families who also used Davis Mortuary, I can sympathize. It doesn’t take the pain away, it probably never will."
KRDO13 recently discovered that a notice of eviction was posted on the doors of Davis Mortuary on Aug. 28.
In a recent update provided by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), officials stated that all bodies were removed from the mortuary; however, "identifying the remains is expected to take months due to the condition of the remains and the unverified record keeping at Davis Mortuary."
CBI confirms that DNA samples, dental x-rays, and fingerprints will be used to identify the remains. Investigators say that due to the age of some remains, they will be using DNA comparison samples submitted by family members. However, the CBI wants to clarify that it is not possible to obtain DNA results from ashes or cremains.
According to CBI, there are more than 20 bodies, but at this time, they can't be sure of the accurate number of remains.
Brian and Chris Cotter have yet to be arrested, but law enforcement says they do not believe they are a flight risk. KRDO13 knocked on both of their front doors on Monday to try and get answers. Neither brother answered. We also asked DORA if Cotter gave any further reasoning as to why the bodies were left in that room, but they said they could not release any further information.
CBI says they have received 841 calls on its victim assistance line as of 12:50 p.m. on Aug. 25, and each will be called or emailed back by the CBI.
The dedicated victim assistance line for the Davis Mortuary investigation is (719) 257-3359. Information can also be sent via email to CBITips@state.co.us. The CBI has created a questionnaire to assist with the investigative process for families who may have sought out services at Davis Mortuary.
For all of our latest reports on the Davis Mortuary case, click here.
