The spring month in Colorado presented cozy weather for spending quality family time. And it was Mother’s Day, that specific day when moms expect special treatment from their children. Usually, kids and husbands prepare a delicious breakfast for the mother, and they later go out for celebrations to honor the woman who takes care of them relentlessly and unconditionally.
However, this one particular household went against the grain. A family where the husband had gone for a business meeting, the children went on a separate camping trip, and the mother was biking in the mountains alone on Mother’s Day.
Something was terribly off about the family dynamics, but no one in the neighborhood would have ever thought that it would lead to someone’s murder in the family.
Suzanne Morphew, 49, a mother of two, went on a biking hike in the mountainous area around a small town in Salida of Chaffee County. Ever since then, on a Sunday of May 10, 2020, no one saw Suzanne again. Her husband Barry became the prime suspect. However, his charges were dismissed in 2022, but they could be refiled if new evidence surfaces. In the latest update, remains were found on September 22, 2023, about 50 miles from Morphew’s home. The CBI confirmed that the body was identified to be Suzanne Morphew.
Who Is Suzanne Morphew?
Suzanne Morphew was a bright, energetic, and active woman who was also one of high school’s most popular, beautiful girls. She met Barry Morphew in Alexandria, Indiana, where she lived earlier. The two became high school sweethearts, eventually getting married. After graduation, she started teaching middle school students.
A few years down the line, she gave up her job to become a full-time stay-at-home mom for their two daughters.
Barry owned a landscaping business. He was considered the “manly-man” in the community, as he enjoyed hunting. Macy (16) lived with them while their eldest daughter, Malorie, stayed in the college dorm. The family was perfect in every sense and well-respected in the community.
However, the picturesque family hid a few cracks behind the frame. Apparently, Suzanne and Barry were struggling through their marriage. Suzanne’s sister even reported that she received a lengthy text message where Suzanne described how Barry emotionally abused her.
To give their marriage a second chance, the family moved to Mayville in Chaffee County, west of Salida, in 2018. Suzanne picked up the hobby of mountain biking. Their home was also closer to where Malorie stayed.
However, this did not really mend the relations. In an attempt to catch Barry in the act of infidelity, Suzanne planted a spy pen on their nightstand. But as it turns out, the spy pen exposed Suzanne’s communication with a man named Jeff, who was supposedly her lover.
Despite everything, the couple decided to rekindle romance on May 9, 2020, according to Barry. They had a barbeque, watched a movie, and enjoyed the night together. The next morning, Barry left for his usual business, according to his account of events. At the same time, the two daughters went on a camping trip.
What Happened to Suzanne Morphew?
2020: Suzanne’s Mysterious Disappearance
On May 10, 2020, Suzanne Morphew went on a mountainous terrain on her bike. When she did not return home, Barry asked the neighbor to check if her bike was still there. The neighbor said there was no bike; only her car was parked in the house.
The family then reported her missing.
The investigators searched the perimeter where she was last seen and found her bike ditches in a nearby ravine off Chaffee County Road 225 from Highway 50. The forensics found no traces of blood near the bike, indicating a crash or any other accident, which led the investigators to believe that she might have been kidnapped.
As days went by, the probability of finding her was lowering. But the community came together with search parties.
Suzanne’s brother, Andrew Moorman, organized a five-day search in the mountainous area, but to no avail.
2021: One Primary Suspect
Police then diverted their focus on Barry, as his cache revealed a deleted text message from Suzanne, which read–
“I’m done I could care less what you’re up to and have been for years. We just need to figure this out civilly.”
Barry was arrested on charges of Suzanne’s disappearance. He was interrogated for hours, but the investigators couldn’t gather firm evidence, nor could they make a case against him.
2022: Charges Dismissed and Starting From Scratch
The judge dismissed the case against Barry Morphew. But the Judicial District Attorney filed the motion to “dismiss without prejudice” – charges could be filed against Barry Morphew later.
The investigators had to start narrowing down more suspects, and slowly, it seemed like it was going to be a cold case. Until an accidental breakthrough revived the case.
2023: Did They Find Her?
In an unrelated investigation, the police were searching the area of Moffat in Saguache County. They found unidentified remains on September 22, 2023.
On September 27, 2023, CBI confirmed that the remains were identified to be of Suzanne Morphew through DNA analysis. No more information is disclosed at this point.
But it raises the question of whether an investigation against Barry will be reissued. And also, did the daughters have any role in this case?
The authorities have urged the locals to report any information on the case at (719) 312-7530.
What is your verdict on this case? Do you think Barry is guilty? Did the daughters know about it? Let us know in the comments selection below.
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