Families across Colorado are grappling with uncertainty following an ongoing investigation into Davis Mortuary, a funeral home now at the center of scrutiny. Reports indicate that families are questioning whether their loved ones’ remains were properly handled, prompting the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and local authorities to open an active investigation.
Fox News Reported (Aug 22, 2025): “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 who spoke during a news conference Thursday held by the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.”
In interviews with local media, grieving family members described the anguish of not knowing whether the ashes or remains they received truly belonged to their loved ones.
For some families, the uncertainty spans more than a decade of services provided by Davis Mortuary. Community members have expressed concern that the issue could affect numerous individuals.
Sauder Schelkopf’s Investigation
Sauder Schelkopf is actively investigating potential claims on behalf of families who entrusted their loved ones to Davis Mortuary. Funeral homes hold a solemn responsibility to treat remains with dignity and respect. When that trust is broken, families may have legal rights.
Related News
Decomposing bodies found behind “hidden door” in funeral home owned by Pueblo County coroner
Where is Davis Mortuary? Who is Brian Cotter? More about coroner accused of hiding bodies
Sauder Schelkopf’s Experience in Funeral Home and Cemetery Abuse Litigation
Sauder Schelkopf is a nationally recognized law firm with extensive experience representing families impacted by funeral home and cemetery abuses. The firm has successfully advocated for justice in several high-profile cases, holding institutions accountable for egregious violations of trust and decency.
Return to Nature Funeral Home Case
Sauder Schelkopf represents victims in a scandal involving Return to Nature Funeral Home in Colorado, where more than 190 improperly stored human remains were discovered. Families were misled into believing their loved ones had been cremated, while the remains were left to decompose.
Harvard Medical School Body Parts Scandal
The firm represents families against Harvard Medical School in a body parts trafficking case. This appalling situation revealed that human remains donated to the school for scientific research were sold illegally.
Evergreen Cemetery in New Jersey
In a notable case involving Evergreen Cemetery, Sauder Schelkopf fought for the families of individuals whose graves were desecrated. Cemetery operators were accused of selling plots multiple times and mishandling remains, causing significant emotional distress to families.
Experience Matters
Sauder Schelkopf has a nationally recognized litigation practice. The firm currently serves as court-appointed lead counsel in courts across the country. The attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf have recovered over $500 million on behalf of their clients and class members. Our firm was recognized by the Legal Intelligencer’s 2022 Professional Excellence Awards. The Legal Intelligencer’s Professional Excellence Awards honor Pennsylvania law firms and attorneys who have significantly impacted the legal profession. Our firm was named in the Litigation Departments of the Year (Specialty Area category; runner-up), an award that honors the best litigation practice in a small or mid-sized firm in Pennsylvania. This recognition was based on the firm’s 2021 litigation work and its important ongoing cases. LawDragon has recognized our attorneys in its list of the “500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” for 2022. This list notes: “From the opioid epidemic to toxic substances and defective products, truck accidents to wildfires and sexual abuse, these are the lawyers who stand on the front line in individual lawsuits and class actions seeking justice.” Mr. Schelkopf was named to Pennsylvania’s Best Lawyers® 2022 for Class Actions/Mass Tort Litigation. The American Lawyer named Mr. Sauder to its 2021 Northeast Trailblazers. The honor recognizes 60 lawyers who are “truly agents of change.” It “recognizes professionals in the Northeast who have moved the needle in the legal industry.” The Legal Intelligencer named Mr. Sauder and Mr. Schelkopf in its 2020 Pennsylvania Trailblazers list recognizing 31 lawyers who “have taken extra measures to contribute to positive outcomes . . . and who are truly agents of change.” The Legal highlighted the firm’s innovative work on advocacy as class counsel in large institutional sex abuse cover-ups, women’s, and children’s rights. Our attorneys have also consistently been recognized by their peers being named to Pennsylvania SuperLawyer, a distinction held by the top 5% of attorneys in Pennsylvania. The National Trial Lawyers Association has also selected our attorneys as the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania.
We Want to Hear from You
Sauder Schelkopf is actively investigating potential claims on behalf of families who entrusted their loved ones to Davis Mortuary. Funeral homes hold a solemn responsibility to treat remains with dignity and respect. When that trust is broken, families may have legal rights. Please fill out the form on this page if you were impacted.
The information contained in this case alert is based on publicly available reports and statements. No findings of liability or wrongdoing have been made against Davis Mortuary or any individual at this time. The investigation remains ongoing, and all persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven otherwise in a court of law. This notice is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.