Barry Morphew Indicted for Murder After Wife Suzanne Morphew’s Remains Found in Colorado
Barry Morphew has been indicted by a Colorado grand jury on charges of first-degree murder in connection with the death of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, whose remains were discovered in 2023—three years after she vanished on Mother’s Day in 2020.
According to the Twelfth Judicial District Attorney’s Office, Morphew was arrested in Phoenix, Arizona following the indictment and is set to be extradited to Colorado. Suzanne’s body was located in Saguache County, southwestern Colorado, by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
“Federal, state, and local law enforcement have never stopped working toward justice for Suzanne,” said District Attorney Anne Kelly. “We stand with Suzanne’s family and the communities of Chaffee and Saguache Counties in seeking justice.”
Suzanne Morphew's Remains Show Signs of Chemical Exposure
A copy of the grand jury indictment reveals that many of Suzanne’s bones appeared “significantly bleached,” raising questions about where her body decomposed. Toxicology reports indicated the presence of BAM (Butorphanol, Azaperone, and Medetomidine)—a powerful animal tranquilizer commonly used by Barry Morphew on his deer farm. Prosecutors suggest the sedative may have been used to incapacitate Suzanne.
Barry Morphew Arrested, Held on $3 Million Bond
The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Barry Morphew was booked into the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office and is being held on a $3,000,000 bond. The motive remains under investigation, but evidence includes text messages exchanged between the couple in the days leading up to Suzanne’s disappearance.
Four days before she vanished, Suzanne reportedly texted Barry saying, "I'm done. I could care less what you're up to and have been for years." The texts suggest both were involved in extramarital affairs and that Suzanne was preparing to end the marriage.
Mother’s Day Disappearance and Years of Investigation
Suzanne Morphew was last seen on May 10, 2020, when she allegedly went for a bike ride. Her bicycle was later found along Highway 50 near County Road 225 in Chaffee County. At the time, Barry claimed he was working in Broomfield, Colorado.
Despite Barry’s claims of innocence, investigators conducted extensive surveillance, including hidden cameras, phone taps, and GPS tracking.
In 2023, Barry filed a $15 million lawsuit against law enforcement and prosecutors, claiming they violated his constitutional rights. His attorney, Iris Eytan, said Barry was “the most scrutinized, dissected, and surveilled individual” in Colorado during the investigation.
Cold Case Breakthrough in Suzanne Morphew's Disappearance
District Attorney Anne Kelly acknowledged the challenges of cold cases but emphasized that authorities never gave up.
“Cold case homicides are extremely difficult,” Kelly said. “But Suzanne was never forgotten. This indictment represents a major step toward justice.”
Barry Morphew is expected to be transported back to Colorado for trial.