Cotter removed from Colorado Coroners Association board, CBI provides update

PUEBLO, Colo. (KRDO) - The Colorado Coroners Association (CCA) is calling on Brian Cotter to resign from his position as Pueblo County Coroner-elect. It comes after the CCA removed Brian Cotter from his position as Secretary.

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.

"It is just such an awful thing that has happened to the Pueblo community, to many families that aren't in the community anymore. But, hard to believe that this is coming out of my hometown. I grew up in Pueblo and, you know, it's a place of comfort. At least it's supposed to be. And now we've learned that a Pueblo County official has done something awful," said past Davis Mortuary client, Peggy Gallegos.

Gallegos explained how it's hard enough to lose a loved one, and now her heart breaks for her kids having to deal with this renewed trauma. She says her healing may begin when they start to get answers, so she'll do everything she can in the meantime.

"I'm worried about my son and my daughter, and my stepdaughter. They have had to relive now a trauma, just when you're healing. It was 18 months ago that they lost their father, and now the wound has been opened again. So I worry about them and all the other families that have had this same trauma and event impact them. It's hard enough to heal after the loss of a parent, let alone to have something like this happen," shared Gallegos, "So, you know, for me the way I process things is I have to find the information and try to apply some sort of reasoning next steps to the healing process so that the Colorado Bureau of Investigation gets what they need to help my kids and others so that the Pueblo DA's office gets what they need to account for this crime or crimes, and that, eventually, the right people are held accountable."

Many officials have been touting DORA's discovery of the hidden bodies at Davis Mortuary due to the new inspection law; families say it brings new questions to light.

"In the aftermath, now you have found something, so for elected officials who have said it's working. It's not, because there are a lot of aching families. So where is it? Where is the law that says now, when you find something, here are all the services that are going to be offered, here's what you do? Here's the playbook. So again, let's be compassionate. I've, I've seen those news stories. And it's a slap in the face for somebody to say it's working," said Gallegos.

Gallegos also called on lawmakers to investigate laws regarding removing elected officials.

"By the facts that have already been stated, why would someone still be in office? And you can't? There's no vehicle by which to remove him or her from office. I don't understand that law. So perhaps, you know, our other elected officials can figure that out and determine what criteria needs to take place to actually have that removal happen. Because what if he never resigns?" questioned Gallegos.

The CCA said Cotter served as Secretary on the CCA Executive Board of Directors. On Thursday, August 21, 2025, the CCA Board of Directors, by unanimous vote, removed Mr. Cotter from his Secretary position due to unethical practices and harm to the community in which he was sworn to serve. Mr. Cotter's information on the CCA website has been requested for immediate removal.

In violation of the ethical standards aforementioned and in solidarity with those affected by Davis
The Colorado Coroners Association Executive Board of Directors states that it calls on Mr. Brian Cotter to resign his position as Pueblo County Coroner-elect.

In a release, the CCA and members of the Coroner fraternity say they extend their deepest condolences and stand united with the victims and their families and the Pueblo County community affected by Davis Mortuary's incomprehensible conduct.

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.

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