Barry Morphew has been formally indicted for the murder of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, marking a major development in the case that has gripped Colorado for more than five years.
Suzanne disappeared on Mother’s Day in 2020, and her remains were not discovered until 2023. Now, prosecutors say toxic substances linked to Barry’s deer farm were found in her body, strengthening their case against him.
Here’s how the mystery unfolded:
May 6, 2020:
Suzanne Morphew sent a chilling text to her husband:
“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.”
May 10, 2020:
Suzanne was last seen. Barry claimed he left early that morning for a landscaping job in Denver. A neighbor reported Suzanne missing after she didn’t return from a bike ride. Authorities later found her mountain bike — without blood or damage — sparking suspicion that it had been intentionally placed.
May 13–14, 2020:
Suzanne’s bike helmet was found nearly a mile from the bike. Barry posted a video on Facebook pleading for her safe return, offering money for information.
May 5, 2021:
Barry Morphew was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and tampering with evidence. He pleaded not guilty.
April 19, 2022:
A judge dismissed the charges due to prosecutorial misconduct, allowing the case to be refiled in the future.
May 6, 2022:
Barry and his daughters appeared on Good Morning America, maintaining his innocence.
“I love my girls. I love my wife. I just want her to be found,” he said.
May 15, 2023:
In another interview, Barry doubled down:
“Absolutely not,” he said when asked if he was involved.
He criticized investigators for “tunnel vision.”
Sept. 22, 2023:
Suzanne’s remains were finally discovered in Moffat, Colorado. Investigators confirmed her identity and opened a new chapter in the case.
April 29, 2024:
The autopsy confirmed Suzanne died from a lethal mix of tranquilizers — butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine — commonly known as BAM. These drugs are used to sedate animals, and Barry had access to them through his deer farm. Prosecutors say he was the only person in the region with a BAM prescription between 2017 and 2020.
June 20, 2025:
Barry Morphew was indicted by a grand jury and arrested in Arizona. He now faces a charge of first-degree murder.
Barry’s attorney, David Beller, responded to the indictment:
“Mr. Morphew maintains his innocence. The government continues to pursue a conclusion they reached long ago. The facts haven’t changed, and neither will the outcome.”
The case is moving forward once again — this time, with Suzanne’s remains providing the key evidence prosecutors hope will lead to a conviction.
