safety
Brothers accused of mishandling dozens of decomposing bodies at Colorado funeral home
By Stephanie Weaver at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX)
· June 26, 2026
· 1 min read
Former Pueblo County Coroner Brian Lee Cotter and his brother, Christopher Aaron Cotter, were arrested in Colorado and face 125 counts of abuse of a corpse, with a judge setting their bond at $1 million.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The shocking allegations against the Cotter brothers in Colorado raise questions about the oversight of funeral homes in Minneapolis . While the case itself is unfolding in another state, it serves as a prompt for local residents to consider the regulations and safeguards in place here. In Hennepin County, funeral homes are subject to licensing and inspection by state authorities, but the specifics of these regulations and how they are enforced are not always well-known to the public. The case against the Cotter brothers, who face 125 counts of abuse of a corpse, will likely prompt a review of procedures in funeral homes across the region, including those in Minneapolis. Local officials may need to reassure the public that such egregious mishandling of deceased individuals could not occur here, and that the necessary checks are in place to prevent similar abuses.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Former Pueblo County Coroner Brian Lee Cotter and his brother, Christopher Aaron Cotter, were arrested in Colorado and face 125 counts of abuse of a corpse, with a judge setting their bond at $1 million.
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Stephanie Weaver at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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