Remains of Missing Woman Suzanne Morphew Discovered: A Tragic Closure to a Long Search

New Questions Arise as Suzanne Morphew’s Remains are Discovered

Introduction

The recent discovery of Suzanne Morphew’s remains, three years after she went missing on Mother’s Day, has raised new questions regarding the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and whether her husband, Barry Morphew, remains a viable suspect. The murder charges against Barry Morphew were dropped, and he has maintained his innocence. This development has added complexity to the case and has left many wondering what truly happened to Suzanne Morphew.

The Disappearance of Suzanne Morphew

Suzanne Morphew, originally from Alexandria, Indiana, was reported missing by a neighbor near the small city of Salida, Colorado, on May 10, 2020, which happened to be Mother’s Day. The disappearance launched an extensive search effort, with local and state authorities, as well as the FBI, conducting searches in the mountainous area. Dive teams were deployed to search waterways, and over 400 people were interviewed in multiple states.

Months later, Suzanne Morphew’s family initiated their own search for her. Despite these efforts, her whereabouts remained unknown, making her one of over 23,000 unresolved missing persons cases in the United States. It is worth noting that there are 367 open missing persons cases in Colorado, reflecting the disproportionate number of Native American and Black individuals who go missing compared to the overall population.

The Discovery of Suzanne Morphew’s Remains

The location of Suzanne Morphew’s body was not found as a result of the ongoing official investigation. Instead, state investigators stumbled upon the remains on September 22 in the Moffat area, approximately 40 miles south of where she was reported missing. Her bones were located in a remote field of sagebrush and grasses, suggesting that they had been buried in a shallow grave before being scattered.

The identification of Suzanne Morphew’s remains brings a sense of closure to her family and loved ones, who have been grappling with uncertainty for the past three years. However, it also raises new questions and renews scrutiny on the investigation into her disappearance.

Barry Morphew’s Involvement

Barry Morphew, Suzanne’s husband, was previously charged in May 2021 on suspicion of first-degree murder, tampering with a human body, and other offenses. Prosecutors alleged that the couple had a troubled marriage and that Barry had a history of controlling behavior. They claimed that he resorted to the same tactics he used on animals to control Suzanne.

The timeline presented by investigators alleged that Barry Morphew killed his wife on the evening of May 9, 2020, before leaving for work in the Denver area the following day. Suspicion was raised when he failed to disclose his route, which happened to lead to the place where Suzanne’s bicycle helmet was later found. Furthermore, Barry Morphew was accused of committing voter fraud by submitting a fraudulent vote on his wife’s behalf for Donald Trump in the 2020 November presidential election.

However, in a surprising turn of events, the charges against Barry Morphew were dropped in April 2022. A judge had barred the prosecutors from calling key witnesses due to repeated failures to follow rules for turning over evidence in his favor. This included DNA evidence from an unknown male found in Suzanne Morphew’s vehicle. The charges were dismissed without prejudice, leaving the possibility for future prosecution if new evidence emerges.

Current and Potential Suspects

The discovery of Suzanne Morphew’s remains has reopened discussions about other potential suspects in her disappearance. Approximately three months after Barry Morphew’s arrest, investigators revealed that they had DNA that matched profiles developed in three unsolved sexual assault cases. The DNA found on the glovebox in Suzanne’s car corresponded to cases in Chicago, Phoenix, and Tempe, Arizona.

It is unclear at this stage whether the 12th District Attorney’s Office, which covers the area where the remains were found, or the 11th District Attorney’s Office, which previously handled Barry Morphew’s case, will pursue any prosecution related to Suzanne’s death. Barry Morphew’s attorney has called on officials to find Suzanne’s killer and acknowledge that her husband is innocent.

Conclusion

The discovery of Suzanne Morphew’s remains has brought a mix of closure and renewed uncertainty for her family and the wider community. While it provides some answers, it also raises new questions about what truly happened to her and whether Barry Morphew remains a viable suspect. The dropped charges against him put the spotlight back on investigators to determine who is truly responsible for Suzanne’s death.

As the investigation continues, it is crucial for authorities to conduct a thorough and unbiased examination of all evidence and follow any leads that may shed light on the circumstances surrounding Suzanne Morphew’s disappearance and death. Ultimately, the pursuit of justice for Suzanne and her family should be the paramount concern, ensuring that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.