Barry Morphew Rearrested for Murder of Wife Suzanne, Years After Her Remains Were Found

DENVER — Nearly four years after Suzanne Morphew vanished on Mother’s Day 2020, her husband, Barry Morphew, has been arrested again — this time on a new first-degree murder charge following the discovery of her remains last year.

Authorities arrested Morphew on Friday in Arizona, days after a Colorado grand jury returned a fresh indictment. He’s being held on a $3 million cash-only bond, with prosecutors working to return him to Colorado.

Suzanne’s disappearance captured national attention after she went missing near Salida, Colorado, leaving behind only a mountain bike and helmet found in different locations — with no signs of a crash. For years, questions swirled, suspicions mounted, and court battles raged. Now, with her body finally recovered and new forensic evidence in hand, prosecutors say they’re ready to try again.

“We have worked very hard to move forward in this case,” said District Attorney Anne Kelly. “We never gave up on getting justice for Suzanne.”

Suzanne’s Remains Found — and a Disturbing Drug Discovery

In September 2023, agents with the Colorado Bureau of Investigation found Suzanne’s skeletal remains in a shallow grave near Moffat, a remote area roughly 40 miles south of the Morphews’ home. Her bones were severely bleached — likely by sun exposure — and a port used for chemotherapy treatment suggested the remains were hers.

More disturbingly, toxicology testing revealed something unexpected: traces of a powerful sedative cocktail known as BAM, a tranquilizer typically used for wildlife. Forensic experts found all three components of the drug — butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine — in her bones, and ruled out contamination after death.

A forensic anthropologist theorized that Suzanne’s body may have decomposed elsewhere before being moved, adding to the mystery.

The final autopsy classified her death as homicide by unspecified means, with drug-induced intoxication suspected.

Barry Morphew and the Tranquilizer Connection

According to the indictment, Barry Morphew had access to BAM — and was the only private individual in that area of Colorado documented to possess it.

As a former deer farmer in Indiana, Morphew had filled multiple BAM prescriptions before the couple relocated to Colorado in 2018. In that part of the state, only wildlife officials were authorized to have the drug. None reported any missing supplies.

“Ultimately, the prescription records show that when Suzanne Morphew disappeared, only one private citizen living in that entire area of the state had access to BAM: Barry Morphew,” prosecutors stated.

Investigators also found a tranquilizer gun and related gear in the Morphews’ home.

A Troubled History: Charges Dropped, Evidence Withheld

This isn’t the first time Barry Morphew has been charged in connection with Suzanne’s death.

In May 2021, he was initially arrested and charged with murder — but the case fell apart just before trial. A judge dismissed the charges after prosecutors repeatedly failed to turn over key evidence, including DNA from an unidentified male found in Suzanne’s SUV. Some of that evidence could have supported Morphew’s defense.

The judge allowed for charges to be refiled later. Prosecutors claimed at the time they needed more time to locate Suzanne’s body.

Since then, Barry Morphew filed a $15 million lawsuit, accusing investigators and prosecutors of violating his constitutional rights. He also sought disciplinary action against the original legal team for allegedly withholding evidence.

Iris Eytan, Morphew’s former defense attorney, said prosecutors “fumbled” the case. “Not only is he a loving father,” she told AP, “but he was a loving husband.”

A Plea, a Disappearance, and a Tangled Timeline

Suzanne Morphew, a 49-year-old mother of two, vanished on Mother’s Day 2020. Her bike was found near their home in Chaffee County, and her helmet was discovered separately — both placed in ways that raised suspicions of staging.

One week later, Barry posted a video on Facebook, tearfully pleading for her return:

“No questions asked. However much they want, I will do whatever it takes to get you back.”

But investigators soon found inconsistencies. Barry, an avid hunter, originally said he drove straight to work that morning. Later, he admitted detouring through the area where Suzanne’s helmet was discovered — allegedly because he saw an elk cross the road.

The arrest affidavit also revealed that Suzanne had allegedly planned to leave her husband. Prosecutors pointed to erratic statements and behavioral red flags in the months leading up to her disappearance.

Legal Fallout: A Disbarred Prosecutor and Renewed Scrutiny

The first attempt to prosecute Barry Morphew had long-lasting consequences.

Linda Stanley, the former district attorney who led the initial case, was later disbarred, in part due to her mishandling of the investigation. A state panel cited her for making inappropriate public comments and for poor case management that undermined the trial.

Now, with a new district attorney and the discovery of Suzanne’s remains, prosecutors are moving forward once more — hoping this time the evidence will stick.

Barry Morphew continues to insist he is innocent. His current attorney, David Beller, blasted the new indictment, accusing prosecutors of bias.

“Yet again, the government allows their predetermined conclusion to lead their search for evidence,” Beller said. “Barry maintains his innocence. The case has not changed — and the outcome will not either.”

Source: AP News – Husband rearrested in the death of Suzanne Morphew, whose remains were found after 3-year search