Suzanne Morphew, a 49-year-old mother of two, vanished on Mother's Day, May 10, 2020.
She left her home in Chaffee County, Colorado, for a bike ride but never returned.
Her sudden disappearance triggered a nationwide search and a complicated investigation that took a significant turn with the discovery of her remains nearly three years later.
A Troubled Marriage and Alleged Affairs
Court documents reveal that both Suzanne and her husband, Barry Morphew, were involved in extramarital affairs before her disappearance.
Texts between Suzanne and an old high school friend, Jeff Libler, indicated plans to meet in August 2020.
Suzanne also accused Barry of having a mistress in a message sent on April 24, 2020.
Suzanne shared with her sister and best friend that Barry was emotionally and physically abusive.
In a text to Barry just four days before her disappearance, she mentioned plans to "figure things out civilly," hinting at considering a divorce.
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| Barry and Suzanne Morphew |
Staged Crime Scene and Circumstantial Evidence
Investigators found Suzanne's bike and helmet in different locations, leading them to believe the scene might have been staged.
There were no signs of a struggle near the bike, no clothing, blood, or evidence indicating she had gone for a bike ride that morning.
Her sunglasses and hydration backpack were found inside her car, suggesting she might not have gone biking as claimed.
Her cell phone last pinged at 4:23 a.m. on May 10, 2020, and was missing from the scene.
Barry Morphew claimed he last saw her sleeping in their bed before leaving for work around 5 a.m., but his alibi was hard to verify.
Barry Morphew was also seen disposing of trash at various locations around Broomfield, Colorado, on the day Suzanne went missing, which investigators believe was an attempt to get rid of evidence.
Initial Responses from Barry Morphew
1. Reward Offer: Barry offered a $100,000 reward for Suzanne’s safe return, matched by a family friend, totaling $200,000.
2. Video Appeal: On May 17, 2020, Barry released a video pleading for his wife’s return, expressing concern and love for her.
3. Search Efforts: He actively participated in search efforts and cooperated with investigators.
4. Denial of Marriage Troubles: Barry denied any marital issues, claiming they had a wonderful life and marriage.
Charges and Dismissal
In May 2021, Barry Morphew was charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence.
He had scratch marks on his hands, which he claimed were from searching for Suzanne.
Other evidence found near Suzanne’s home which implicates him included:
1. Plastic Needle Cap: A plastic Needle Cap was found in the dryer, believed to be used for a tranquilizer dart. Barry admitted to using tranquilizers on deer.
2. Chlorine Smell: Barry’s Denver hotel room had a strong chlorine smell, possibly an attempt to mislead investigators.
3. DNA Evidence: DNA on Suzanne’s car glovebox matched profiles from sexual assault cases in other states, raising questions about other suspects and Barry’s alibi.
However, all charges were dropped in April 2022 due to prosecutorial errors in handling evidence. He was dismissed without prejudice, so prosecutors can still decide to pursue charges against him.
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| Barry in court |
Discovery of Remains and Ongoing Investigation
On September 22, 2023, three years after her disappearance, human remains were found in Moffat, Colorado.
On September 27, 2023, authorities confirmed and identified the remains found as that of Suzanne Morphew
According to the autopsy report released by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Suzanne Morphew's cause of death was determined to be "homicide" by undetermined means in the setting of butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine intoxication.
The report revealed that these chemicals, often sold in kit form with the acronym "BAM", are used by biologists, wildlife officers, and hunters to anesthetize large animals such as deer, bear, moose, and horses.
These drugs were found in Suzanne Morphew's body, indicating that she was likely killed by someone who used these chemicals to sedate her before her death.
Also, the presence of these drugs in her body suggests that the killer may have been someone with knowledge of or access to these substances, possibly a veterinarian, wildlife officer, or rancher
These revelations have also raised questions about the potential involvement of her husband, Barry Morphew, who had previously claimed to use these drugs for hunting and antler harvesting.
Barry Morphew had told investigators that he routinely used these substances to immobilize deer before removing their antlers.
However, the investigation has not yet conclusively linked him to her death
The autopsy also found that Suzanne's remains included a weathered bullet and her biking clothes, though it was unclear if the bullet had been used.
This results indicate that she had put on her mountain biking clothes and was preparing for, or already on, her morning ride when she was allegedly abducted, drugged, and buried 50 miles south of her home.
Additionally, the report stated that Suzanne was undergoing maintenance chemotherapy for follicular lymphoma, a type of blood cancer, at the time of her death.
The discovery of these chemicals in Suzanne's body and the manner of her death as homicide provide crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation into her disappearance and murder.
This discovery is crucial, but many questions remain unanswered.
The investigation continues, with no new arrests since the discovery of her remains.
Barry Morphew maintains his innocence and has filed a $15 million lawsuit against prosecutors and investigators for ruining his life with false accusations.
As the investigation continues, the Morphew family and community are left waiting for answers and justice in this tragic case that has captured national attention for more than three years.
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