Authorities in Colorado have announced that the death of Suzanne Morphew, a woman who was reported missing on Mother’s Day nearly four years ago, has been ruled a homicide. An autopsy report revealed that Suzanne Morphew died by “undetermined means,” with a cocktail of drugs used to tranquilize wildlife found in one of her bones. Despite this, there was no indication of trauma to her body. Suzanne Morphew’s remains were discovered in a remote area of central Colorado more than 40 miles away from her home in September 2023.
Suzanne’s husband, Barry Morphew, had originally been arrested on suspicion of first-degree murder, tampering with a human body, and other offenses in May 2021. However, these charges were dropped in 2022 after a judge ruled that prosecutors had failed to follow rules for turning over evidence to the defense. One piece of evidence was DNA from an unknown man linked to sexual assault cases found in Suzanne Morphew’s SUV. Barry Morphew’s lawyers later filed a complaint accusing prosecutors of intentionally withholding evidence and filed a $15 million lawsuit claiming his constitutional rights had been violated.
The investigation into Suzanne Morphew’s death is still ongoing, with the possibility of charges being filed against Barry Morphew again. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation Director did not confirm whether charges would be refiled. The prosecutor for the area where Suzanne’s body was found stated that they would continue to follow the evidence to seek justice for Suzanne. Barry Morphew’s attorney has maintained that his dart gun to tranquilize wildlife was not working at the time of Suzanne’s disappearance, suggesting that someone else may have abducted, drugged, and killed her.
Investigators have previously stated that the Morphews had a troubled marriage, with allegations that Barry Morphew may have been controlling. Barry Morphew claimed that the last time he saw his wife, she was in bed asleep, and that she had recently taken an interest in mountain biking. However, authorities found her bike and helmet in separate locations from where her remains were discovered. The Morphew family continues to hope that the authorities will find the person responsible for Suzanne’s disappearance and murder. Authorities have not disclosed whether DNA testing was conducted on the bike clothes found with Suzanne Morphew’s remains. The family is hoping for justice for Suzanne as the investigation continues.
