Colorado Mother Who Went Missing in 2020 Confirmed as Homicide Victim, Autopsy Reveals

Colorado mother Missing in 2020 Confirmed as a Homicide Victim Homicide Victim mom

By Jackelyn Cornejo , Parent Herald Apr 30, 11:58 am

Photo: (Photo : MOHAMMED ABED/AFP via Getty Images )

According to an autopsy declaration issued on Monday by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, Suzanne Morphew, the Colorado mother who vanished while biking in May 2020, was determined to have died as a result of homicide.

Death of Colorado Mother Revealed as Homicide

The autopsy cited that her death was associated with "homicide resulting from unspecified methods while under the influence of butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine intoxication." The report particularized that these drugs are commonly used as a compound injectable chemical immobilizer for wildlife. There was no proof of physical injury to her body at the period of her passing away.

Suzanne's husband, Barry Morphew, was accused of her killings in 2021, but the dues were discarded in April 2022, just before the preliminary was expected to begin. No detentions have been made in the situation since then.

In a statement on Monday, CBI Director Chris Schaefer highlighted the investigative team's guarantee to follow the proof as they seek justice for Suzanne's passing away. Her remains were found in September 2023 during an unrelated investigation in Moffat, Colorado.

The Morphew family, through their lawyer, conveyed their pain over Suzanne's missing and the false charges against Barry. They hoped for answers and justice for Suzanne and the community.

The autopsy also mentioned the discovery of a "weathered bullet" with her remains, along with her clothing. Barry and their adult daughters accused investigators of not informing them whether the bullet or clothing was tested for DNA evidence.

Barry and his daughters filed a lawsuit against prosecutors in May 2023, alleging wrongful charges. Barry asserted his innocence, stating that investigators had tunnel vision and were unwilling to consider other possibilities. Currently, no one has been accused in the case.

Investigators Committed To Pursue Justice for Suzanne's Death

In a statement, Colorado Bureau of Investigation Director Chris Schaefer highlighted the commitment of investigators to seek justice for Suzanne's passing based purely on the proof available.

The Twelfth Judicial District Attorney's Office also asserted its dedication to seeking justice for Suzanne but refrained from commenting further due to the continuous inspection.

Morphew was reported disappearing on Mother's Day 2020 after failing to return home from her cycling trip near Maysville, Colorado. Her bike and helmet were found differently in Chaffee County without important damage, as declared in the coroner's report.

In 2021, Morphew's husband, Barry Lee Morphew, was accused of killing, tampering with physical proof, and trying to affect a public servant about Suzanne's passing.

He pleaded not liable, and the accusations were ousted in April 2022, although prosecutors retained the option to seek the liabilities in the future. Suzanne's remains were eventually found in Saguache County more than a year later. The couple had two daughters together.

Barry Morphew's attorneys, Jane Fisher-Byrialsen and Iris Eytan, issued an announcement conveying the Morphew family's disappointment with the inadequacy of closure and justice in Suzanne's incident.

They emphasized the authorities' breakdown of communication with the family concerning forensic testing on Suzanne's clothing and alleged the discovery of unknown DNA in her car. While the CBI and the district attorney's office were for comment, no response was provided.

The Morphew family urged authorities to approach the case with a fresh perspective, thoroughly investigate all leads, conduct comprehensive forensic testing, and ultimately bring Suzanne's murderer to justice.