Colorado man charged with first-degree murder a year after wife’s disappearance
A Colorado man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder nearly a year after his wife disappeared.
Suzanne Morphew, 49, went on a bike ride on May 10, 2020 — Mother’s Day — by her home in Chaffee County, about 135 miles southwest of Denver, and never returned. After an exhaustive search, her husband Barry Morphew, 53, has been charged with murder after deliberation, tampering with physical evidence and attempting to influence a public servant.
According to some family members, Morphew was out of town when his wife vanished. The couple had two daughters together.
A week after her disappearance, Morphew posted a video on social media pleading for his wife’s safe return in, going so far as to offer a $200,000 reward.
However, Suzanne Morphew’s brother Andrew Moorman previously told TV host Dr. Phil he suspected Barry Morphew of murdering his sister.
“Today, justice is beginning for my sister,” Suzanne’s sister Melinda Moorman told Fox 21. “It’s been a journey that no one ever imagines that they’ll take.”
“Today marks a major milestone in this investigation,” said Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze.” “Today is not the day for celebration nor does it mark the end of the investigation.”
The Chaffee County District Attorney Linda Stanley said at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon that Morphew’s body has still not been found.
“I wouldn’t bring charges if I was confident,” Stanley responded to a question regarding the validity of her case against Barry Morphew without having a body recovered.
“Today is a good day for Suzanne,” Stanley said. “Today is all about Suzanne, and it’s about her family, and it’s about all the individuals that knew her, loved her, and cared about her.”
Barry Morphew is expected to make his first court appearance tomorrow at 10 a.m. local time according to Stanley. The arrest affidavit remains closed according to Stanley as the investigation is still ongoing
