The 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced late Friday that a Grand Jury has returned an indictment charging Barry Morphew with first-degree murder in connection to the death of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, who disappeared from the Maysville area on May 10, 2020.
The indictment states that an autopsy ruled Suzanne’s death a homicide, and a powerful sedative mixture known as BAM was found in her system. Records cited in the indictment show that only Barry Morphew, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and the National Park Service had been issued prescriptions for the sedatives.
Investigators also found evidence suggesting Suzanne’s body had not decomposed in the shallow grave in Saguache County where it was discovered, raising further questions about the timeline and circumstances surrounding her death.
Barry Morphew was previously arrested in 2021 and charged with murder, tampering with evidence, and attempting to influence a public servant, but the charges were dismissed in 2022 following ethical violations and investigative missteps by the 11th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, then led by DA Linda Stanley. Stanley was later disbarred after disciplinary authorities cited misconduct, including inappropriate media comments during the prosecution.
In May 2023, Morphew filed a malicious prosecution lawsuit against Stanley and others, which was ultimately dismissed. A federal judge concluded that although there were missteps in the investigation, there was still enough probable cause to arrest and charge Morphew.
Suzanne’s remains were discovered in September 2023 by Colorado Bureau of Investigation agents in the San Luis Valley near Moffat. The case was revived with the new evidence, culminating in this latest indictment.
Barry Morphew was arrested last Friday in Arizona. During an extradition hearing in Maricopa County, he waived his right to fight extradition and will be transported back to Alamosa County within 30 days.
Morphew is currently being held on $3 million cash-only bail and will be lodged at the Alamosa County Jail pending trial.
His attorney, David Beller, released a statement:
“Yet again, the government allows their predetermined conclusion to lead the search for evidence. Barry maintains his innocence. The case has not changed, and the outcome will not either.”
For official updates on the case, visit the 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office at www.colorado.gov/da12 (link illustrative—please verify exact URL).
