DENVER – A grand jury in Colorado has indicted Barry Morphew on charges of murdering his wife, Suzanne Morphew, whose disappearance in 2020 captivated national attention. The indictment, announced on Friday, comes more than three years after Suzanne was reported missing during a bike ride on Mother’s Day.
Breaking: Indictment of Barry Morphew
Barry Morphew was taken into custody in Arizona and will be extradited to Colorado’s San Luis Valley to face charges. The indictment follows the discovery of Suzanne’s remains in September 2023, found during an unrelated investigation.
“Federal, State and local law enforcement have never stopped working toward justice for Suzanne,” stated Twelfth Judicial District Attorney Anne Kelly.
Immediate Impact and Key Details
The announcement comes as a significant development in a case that has seen numerous twists and turns. Suzanne Morphew was initially reported missing by a neighbor after she failed to return from a bike ride. Her bike and helmet were later discovered in separate locations near her home.
Barry Morphew, who was the last known person to see Suzanne alive, had previously been charged with her murder in 2021. Those charges were dropped in 2022, just before the trial was set to begin.
By the Numbers
- Suzanne Morphew’s remains discovered: September 2023
- Initial charges against Barry Morphew dropped: April 2022
- Indictment returned: October 2023
Background Context and Investigation
According to the indictment, investigators found a text message from Suzanne to Barry that read, “I’m done. I could care less what you’re up to and have been for years.” This message was saved just days before her disappearance.
Investigators also uncovered evidence suggesting that Barry Morphew had access to BAM, a chemical mixture used for sedating animals. This discovery is particularly significant given Barry’s background as a deer farmer in Indiana, where he used BAM to tranquilize deer.
Expert Analysis
Legal experts have weighed in on the complexities of the case. Barry Morphew’s attorney, David Beller, maintains his client’s innocence, criticizing the government’s approach as biased.
“Yet again, the government allows their predetermined conclusion to lead their search for evidence,” Beller stated.
Implications and Next Steps
The timing of the indictment is particularly significant as it follows the disbarment of the former district attorney, Linda Stanley, for misconduct related to the case. The current legal proceedings will likely focus on the new evidence and how it correlates with the timeline of events.
Barry Morphew and his daughters have been vocal about their belief in his innocence, even filing a lawsuit against prosecutors earlier this year. The family claims that the investigation has been mishandled from the start.
Timeline of Events
- May 2020: Suzanne Morphew reported missing
- April 2021: Barry Morphew initially charged
- April 2022: Charges dropped
- September 2023: Suzanne’s remains found
- October 2023: Barry Morphew indicted
As the case progresses, the focus will be on how the prosecution presents its evidence and the defense’s response. The outcome of this high-profile case remains uncertain, but it continues to draw significant public and media attention.