CBI Identifies 18 of 24 Bodies Recovered From Pueblo’s Davis Mortuary
Investigators used forensic genetic genealogy to advance identifications while analysis of six remaining bodies and multiple containers continues before prosecutors receive the full report.
Overview
- State inspectors found a concealed room and strong odors at Davis Mortuary that led to the recovery of 24 bodies plus multiple containers of bones, cremains, and possible human tissue.
- The Colorado Bureau of Investigation says 18 of the 24 bodies have been positively identified and that nine of the most recent matches came from forensic genetic genealogy, a method that uses private labs and public DNA databases to locate distant relatives.
- Six recovered bodies remain under forensic analysis and the CBI is still testing the containers that may represent an unknown number of additional individuals.
- Brian Cotter, the former Pueblo County coroner and co-owner of Davis Mortuary, resigned after the discoveries and an interim coroner is in place while criminal and regulatory inquiries proceed.
- The 10th Judicial District Attorney has said she will wait for the CBI to finish and turn over its report before filing the full set of charges, and authorities have provided a tip line and victim-assistance contacts for families.