State inspectors have uncovered nearly 20 decomposing bodies hidden inside a Colorado funeral home operated by the county’s elected coroner — a discovery authorities called a “profound violation of trust and a heartbreaking betrayal.”
The remains, believed to date back as far as 15 years, were discovered Wednesday in a concealed room at Davis Mortuary, according to officials during a Thursday news conference held by the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.
The chamber’s door was hidden behind a cardboard display, and inspectors noted a “strong odor” upon finding the room, local outlets reported, citing state documents.
The private facility – which has been operating as a funeral home since 2010 – underwent its first annual inspection this week under a new oversight law passed after a local 2023 scandal, in which nearly 190 bodies were improperly stored at Return to Nature Funeral Home and families were given fake ashes.
COLORADO FUNERAL HOME OWNER SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS AFTER STASHING NEARLY 190 DECAYING BODIES