Mystery of Suzanne Morphew’s Death Reignites as Husband Faces New Murder Charge Three Years After Case Was Dropped

Arrest Reopened in High-Profile Colorado Homicide Case

Nearly three years after prosecutors dropped murder charges against him, Barry Morphew has once again been arrested in connection with the death of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, whose disappearance gripped the nation in 2020. He was taken into custody in Arizona on first-degree murder charges after a Colorado grand jury returned a new indictment on Wednesday.

Authorities confirmed his arrest on Friday, revealing that his bond has been set at $3 million, cash only. Prosecutors are now working to bring him back to Colorado, where the case originally unfolded.

Suzanne Morphew's Disappearance Sparked Nationwide Attention

The case began on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2020, when Suzanne Morphew, a 49-year-old mother of two, was reported missing from her home near the small town of Salida, Colorado. Her mountain bike and helmet were found in separate locations near her home, raising suspicion early on. Investigators believed the scene may have been staged, as there were no signs of a crash or struggle.

Just days later, Barry Morphew made a heartfelt public plea for his wife’s safe return, offering a reward and promising, “No questions asked… I will do whatever it takes to get you back.”

Despite the emotional appeal, suspicion quickly turned toward Barry himself.

Charges Dropped but Not Forgotten

In May 2021, Barry Morphew was charged with his wife’s murder. But the case unraveled in court the following year when a judge found that prosecutors repeatedly failed to turn over key evidence, including DNA found in Suzanne’s SUV that did not match Barry. As a result, the charges were dismissed without prejudice — meaning they could be refiled later.

The dropped case led Barry to file a $15 million lawsuit against local officials, alleging violations of his constitutional rights. His legal team also pushed for disciplinary actions against the prosecutors for allegedly withholding evidence.

Suzanne’s Remains Discovered in Shallow Grave

The breakthrough came in September 2023, more than three years after Suzanne vanished. Her skeletal remains were discovered in a shallow grave near Moffat, Colorado, approximately 40 miles south of the Morphew family’s home. Investigators were conducting an unrelated search when they stumbled upon her remains.

A forensic analysis revealed that many of the bones were severely bleached, suggesting prolonged sun exposure or movement of the body. Clothing consistent with Suzanne’s cycling attire was also found, along with a medical port used to treat her follicular lymphoma, a form of blood cancer.

Toxicology Report Points to Wildlife Sedative

An autopsy completed in 2024 concluded that Suzanne Morphew died by homicide of unspecified means. No visible trauma was found on her remains, but a toxicology analysis revealed traces of a powerful wildlife sedative known as BAM — a combination of butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine — in her bones.

The presence of these drugs, particularly a metabolite of butorphanol, suggested she was alive when she was exposed to the sedatives. Investigators concluded that her death was caused by intoxication with the BAM drug cocktail.

Barry Morphew’s Connection to BAM Raises Red Flags

According to the indictment, Barry Morphew had obtained multiple BAM prescriptions while living in Indiana before the couple relocated to Colorado in 2018. At the time, he operated a deer farming business and claimed to use the tranquilizer for animal handling.

However, records from Colorado Parks and Wildlife indicated that between 2017 and 2020, no private citizens in the region had obtained BAM — except Barry Morphew. No government agency reported any missing supplies of the drug either.

“When Suzanne Morphew disappeared, only one private citizen in that part of the state had access to BAM: Barry Morphew,” the indictment noted.

Additionally, authorities discovered a tranquilizer gun and related accessories at the Morphew residence, adding another layer to the circumstantial evidence.

Legal Team Maintains Barry’s Innocence

Despite the new charges, Barry Morphew has continued to deny involvement in his wife’s death. His attorney, David Beller, criticized the renewed indictment, stating:

“Yet again, the government allows their predetermined conclusion to lead their search for evidence. Barry maintains his innocence. The case has not changed, and the outcome will not either.”

Meanwhile, Iris Eytan, Barry’s former defense attorney, called the prosecution’s handling of the case a “fumble,” defending Barry as a “loving father and husband.”

What Happens Next

With Barry Morphew’s arrest and extradition proceedings underway, a new chapter in the tragic story of Suzanne Morphew is beginning. Prosecutors are expected to rely heavily on forensic and circumstantial evidence, particularly the BAM drug connection, to make their case.

Though the legal journey ahead remains uncertain, the discovery of Suzanne’s remains — and the new charges — bring some measure of resolution to a case that had long been shrouded in mystery.