The case of Suzanne Morphew, the Colorado mother who vanished in 2020, has taken another dramatic turn. Her husband, Barry Morphew, has been arrested for a second time, this time facing first-degree murder charges. This comes over five years after Suzanne’s disappearance and nearly three years after the initial charges against Barry were surprisingly dismissed.
Suzanne Morphew was last seen on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020, after setting out for a bike ride. Her disappearance immediately sparked a massive search, with Barry Morphew becoming a person of interest almost immediately. The initial investigation was fraught with complexities, leading to a high-profile, and ultimately, unsuccessful prosecution.
In May 2021, Barry Morphew was initially charged with first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and attempting to influence a public servant. However, in April 2022, the case was unexpectedly dismissed without prejudice, meaning charges could be refiled later. This dismissal was met with shock and raised questions about the prosecution’s strategy and the handling of the case. The lead prosecutor, Linda Stanley, later faced disciplinary action, with a recommendation for disbarment due to alleged improper media statements that impacted the trial’s location.
Adding to the twists and turns, Barry Morphew filed a $15 million lawsuit against various law enforcement agencies, claiming wrongful charges. This lawsuit was dismissed in September 2024. However, the discovery of Suzanne Morphew’s remains in September 2023, during a search in Moffat, dramatically shifted the narrative. The coroner’s office determined her death a homicide, though the manner was initially listed as ‘undetermined’. Toxicological analysis revealed the presence of drugs commonly used to tranquilize wildlife, further complicating the investigation.
The recent indictment against Barry Morphew, returned by a Twelfth Judicial District Grand Jury, marks a significant development. He was apprehended in Gilbert, Arizona, and authorities are working to extradite him back to Colorado. The Twelfth Judicial District Attorney, Anne Kelly, expressed the office’s commitment to justice for Suzanne and her family, emphasizing the continued collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The autopsy results, which included additional toxicology testing for a specific drug combination used in veterinary medicine, were instrumental in the new charges.
The reasons behind the case’s transfer from the 11th to the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office remain unclear. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any relevant information, offering contact details for tips. This case, full of unexpected turns and legal maneuvering, continues to captivate and unsettle the public, highlighting the complexities of high-profile investigations and the pursuit of justice in the face of adversity.
