The autopsy report on the disappearance of Suzanne Morphew in Colorado almost four years ago has revealed that she died from homicide and had an animal tranquilizer in her system.
This development in the Suzanne Morphew case raises the question of whether prosecutors will re-file charges against her husband, Barry Morphew, in connection with her death, as a previous case against him was dismissed without prejudice.
Suzanne Morphew vanished on May 9, 2020, after sending a selfie to a man she was having an affair with in Michigan. The following day, her husband reported her missing after not receiving a response to a Mother’s Day text. Search efforts led to the discovery of her mountain bike and undamaged helmet in separate locations near her home, but no other signs of her were found despite extensive searches.
Barry Morphew was charged in May 2021 in connection with his wife’s disappearance, and later faced additional charges for voter fraud related to the 2020 election. Evidence presented in preliminary hearings included details of Suzanne Morphew’s affair, scratches on Barry’s arms, and the discovery of a tranquilizer dart and needle at their home.
In April 2022, the case against Barry Morphew was dropped without prejudice, leaving open the possibility of the case being brought back to trial with new evidence. In October 2022, prosecutors involved in the case were under investigation for alleged evidence withholding, with additional allegations of a plot against a judge.
In September 2023, Suzanne Morphew’s remains were found during an unrelated search in Saguache County. The subsequent autopsy report, released in April 2024, confirmed her death as a homicide but could not determine the exact cause. Traces of wildlife immobilization drugs were found in her remains, raising questions about the circumstances of her death.
Barry Morphew had previously mentioned using tranquilizer darts to immobilize deer, but he suggested investigators look into veterinarians who may have access to the same drugs. It remains uncertain whether prosecutors will pursue further charges against him in light of the new information uncovered in the case.
