Barry Morphew was charged with first-degree murder on Friday in connection with his wife, Suzanne Morphew’s death.
Suzanne went missing in May 2020, and it wasn’t until September 2023 that investigators found her body in Colorado. Two years after her disappearance, Barry Morphew faced charges, which followed prior charges being dropped in 2022 due to prosecutorial misconduct.
Here’s a brief timeline highlighting significant events related to Suzanne Morphew’s disappearance and the allegations against Barry Morphew.
May 6, 2020:
Suzanne texted Barry saying, “I’m done. I couldn’t care what you’re doing or what for years. We need to understand this civilly.”
May 10, 2020:
Suzanne was last seen on May 10, 2020. Court records indicate that Barry told detectives he saw her at around 5 a.m. on her way to work. Neighbors reported her missing later that day after she didn’t return from a bike ride on Mother’s Day. Law enforcement found her Blue Mountain Bike with no blood nearby, and one lawmaker noted that it seemed like the bike was intentionally placed there, raising questions about potential foul play.
A significant search effort was initiated, engaging the Chaffey County Sheriff’s Office, the FBI, and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
May 13, 2020:
Investigators located Suzanne’s bicycle helmet approximately 84 miles from where her bike was discovered.
May 14, 2020:
Barry Morphew took to Facebook, posting a heartfelt message pleading for Suzanne’s return, stating, “If there’s anyone who can hear this… we love you. We miss you.”
May 5, 2021:
Barry Morphew was arrested, facing accusations of murder after deliberation, influencing public servants, and tampering with evidence. He pleaded not guilty.
April 19, 2022:
A judge in Colorado dismissed the charges against him due to misconduct by the prosecutor. The dismissal was without prejudice, meaning charges could be reinstated.
May 6, 2022:
In an interview with Good Morning America, Barry expressed his love for Suzanne, insisting he just wanted her to be found.
May 15, 2023:
During another interview, he strongly denied any involvement in his wife’s disappearance and maintained that their marriage was strong and loving.
September 22, 2023:
Suzanne’s remains were found by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation in Moffat, Colorado.
April 29, 2024:
An autopsy revealed that Suzanne’s death was ruled a homicide due to poisoning with drugs such as butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine.
June 20, 2025:
Charges against Barry Morphew were reinstated, with first-degree murder allegations resurfacing. He was arrested near Phoenix, Arizona. Prosecutors noted the presence of substances in Suzanne’s body linked to sedatives, suggesting a calculated act on Barry’s part, as he was the only individual in the county to acquire these medications between 2017 and 2020.
Barry’s attorney remarked on his client’s steadfast assertion of innocence and criticized the prosecution’s approach, suggesting they were chasing conclusions rather than truth.
