An autopsy report has concluded that Suzanne Morphew, a missing Colorado woman whose body was discovered in September, died by homicide. The report revealed that her cause of death was listed as homicide by unspecified means, with drugs often used as animal tranquilizers found in her system. The drugs, including butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine, are marketed as compounds for wildlife immobilization. Morphew’s body was found near the town of Moffat, and investigating agencies are aware of the autopsy report.
Suzanne’s husband, Barry Morphew, was charged with murder in connection to her death, along with other related charges such as tampering with a deceased human body and tampering with physical evidence. Prosecutors alleged that Suzanne had planned a bike ride on Mother’s Day in 2020 but was murdered with the help of a tranquilizer gun. They claimed Barry was the only person with a motive to kill her due to allegations of an affair and plans for divorce. However, the case was dismissed without prejudice in April 2022, allowing prosecutors to potentially refile against Barry if evidence supports it.
During the preliminary hearing in 2022, Judge Patrick Murphy expressed the possibility that someone else could have been responsible for Suzanne’s death. He noted that DNA found on her SUV could be linked to sexual assault cases in Arizona and Illinois, suggesting that the case may not be as clear-cut as initially thought. Barry Morphew pleaded not guilty and has consistently denied any involvement in his wife’s disappearance or death. He even filed a lawsuit against prosecutors, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI for allegedly violating his civil rights in pursuing and dropping the case.
A lawyer for Barry Morphew, Iris Eytan, highlighted the prevalence of animal tranquilizers in rural Colorado, noting that they are commonly used by hunters and ranchers. She called for investigators to look into who may have prescribed these drugs and how they may be connected to Suzanne’s case. The ongoing investigation aims to seek justice for Suzanne’s death, with the investigative team continuing to follow the evidence in the case. The discovery of drugs used as animal tranquilizers in Suzanne’s system adds a new layer to the investigation, raising questions about their potential connection to her demise and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
