A Colorado woman was reported missing on Mother’s Day 2020; Her death was just ruled a homicide

DENVER (AP) — Authorities in Colorado revealed on Monday that the death of a woman who went missing on Mother’s Day nearly four years ago has been classified as a homicide. Suzanne Morphew’s autopsy report, released by the Chaffee County Attorney’s Office, indicated that she died by “undetermined means.” It was noted that a mix of drugs commonly used to tranquilize wildlife was discovered in one of her bones, but there were no signs of trauma.

Suzanne’s husband, Barry Morphew, informed investigators that he last saw his wife on Mother’s Day in May 2020. Her remains were located in September 2023 in a remote area of central Colorado, over 40 miles south of their residence.

During the investigation, a tranquilizer gun and related items were found in the couple’s home. Barry Morphew was arrested in May 2021 on suspicion of first-degree murder, tampering with a human body, and other charges. However, the charges were dropped in 2022 just before his trial, as the judge ruled out key witnesses due to the prosecution’s failure to comply with evidence disclosure rules. Notably, DNA from an unidentified man linked to sexual assault cases in other states was discovered in Suzanne Morphew’s SUV.

Barry Morphew’s legal team filed a complaint alleging that prosecutors intentionally withheld evidence and requested disciplinary action. Additionally, Barry Morphew filed a $15 million lawsuit against prosecutors and investigators, accusing them of violating his constitutional rights, which is currently pending in federal court.

Despite the dropped charges, prosecutors have left open the possibility of revisiting the case and potentially bringing charges against Barry Morphew again. Colorado Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Schaefer, while announcing the autopsy results on Monday, did not confirm whether new charges would be filed.