A day after his arrest on a charge of first-degree murder, Barry Morphew, the husband of missing Chaffee County woman Suzanne Morphew, made his first court appearance.
He was in Chaffee County District courtroom in an orange striped jail jumpsuit and was wearing a face mask due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to the hearing, his attorney asked the judge to reconsider a motion that was granted earlier to allow a camera in the courtroom. Morphew’s attorney also asked that if a camera was allowed, that Barry Morphew be allowed to wear street clothes. The judge denied that motion.
During the hearing, a judge advised him of the charges against him and Morphew also made a formal request to be represented by a public defender.
During Thursday’s hearing, the judge also granted a protection order, which allows Barry Morphew to have visits with his two daughters on the condition that those visits be “civil”, which means he’s not allowed to “threaten, harass or annoy,” the judge said. If he does, he’ll be in violation of that order, the judge said.
Morphew’s daughters sat in the jury box during the hearing which was being used for spectators to allow for social distancing. The jury box bumps up to the defense table, where their dad was seated. A 9NEWS reporter who was in the courtroom heard them tell their dad that they loved him.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Chaffee County sheriff announced the arrest of Barry Morphew in connection with his wife’s death, even though she remains missing.
Barry Morphew faces the following charges:
- First-degree murder after deliberation
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Attempting to influence a public servant
The prosecution said it will file formal charges against Morphew within 10 days. Barry Morphew is next due in court on May 27.
