DENVER — More than three years after Suzanne Morphew was reported missing on Mother’s Day 2020, her husband Barry Morphew faced new legal troubles as he was arrested on a first-degree murder charge in Arizona on Friday. This development follows an indictment returned by a Colorado grand jury earlier in the week.
Morphew’s bond was set at $3 million, cash only, as authorities worked to extradite him back to Colorado. The arrest marks a significant turn in a case that had previously stalled due to issues regarding evidence and prosecution. In 2022, the prosecution dropped the original charges against Barry Morphew, just before he was set to go to trial.
A newly released autopsy report has classified Suzanne Morphew’s death as a homicide by “unspecified means.” While no trauma was visible on her remains, a cocktail of tranquilizers, typically used for wildlife, was discovered within her bones. Additionally, authorities found tranquilizer equipment in the couple’s home, raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding her death.
Barry Morphew has consistently maintained his innocence. His attorney, David Beller, condemned the indictment, suggesting it was influenced by preconceived notions rather than on solid evidence. “The case has not changed, and the outcome will not either,” Beller remarked, underscoring his client’s steadfast declaration of innocence.
The mysterious disappearance of Suzanne Morphew began when she was reported missing in 2020, prompting an extensive search in the area near Salida, Colorado. Investigators found her mountain bike and helmet in locations that suggested foul play. Shortly after her disappearance, Barry Morphew posted a heartfelt video pleas for her return, emphasizing his willingness to do whatever it took to bring her back safely.
The first murder charge against him came in May 2021, but legal complications soon derailed the prosecution. A judge prevented the state from calling several key witnesses due to failures in disclosing evidence helpful to Morphew’s defense. This included DNA evidence from an unknown male found in Suzanne Morphew’s SUV.
In September 2023, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation found Suzanne Morphew’s skeletal remains in a shallow grave during an unrelated investigation. The remains were notably bleached, indicating an extended period since her death. Toxicology tests revealed the presence of three specific tranquilizers in her bones, leading the coroner to conclude that her death was a homicide.
Barry Morphew’s connection to the tranquilizers has drawn scrutiny as well. He had obtained prescriptions for the drugs used to sedate wildlife, which were not accessible to the general public in their area. Investigators noted that only Barry Morphew had the means to acquire such substances in the time leading up to Suzanne’s disappearance.
As this case unfolds, the Morphew family remains entwined in a complex legal battle, with the community still seeking clarity on the events that led to Suzanne Morphew’s tragic fate. Barry Morphew’s arrest signals the potential for a renewed focus on the case, which has captivated public interest since its inception. The investigation is ongoing, and more developments are expected to emerge as authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding her death.