Suzanne Morphew went missing five years ago on Mother’s Day after she went for a bike ride, sparking a mysterious case that has now led to charges against her husband, Barry Morphew.
Suzanne’s disappearance became a high-profile case in Colorado, and it took years of investigation before her remains were found and her husband was charged with her murder. Here’s a breakdown of everything that has happened so far.
The Disappearance of Suzanne Morphew
On May 10, 2020, Suzanne Morphew went missing after allegedly going on a bike ride on Mother’s Day. Her bike and helmet were found later, with no significant damage, which raised suspicions about what had happened.
Barry Morphew, her husband, publicly pleaded for her safe return, but soon after, investigators began uncovering details about the couple’s troubled marriage.
Authorities suggested that Suzanne had been having an affair with an old high school classmate, Jeff Libler, a fact that Barry seemingly responded to with a cryptic statement: “maybe in God’s eyes this was his way of resolving something.”
Barry Morphew’s Arrest and Legal Issues
In May 2021, nearly a year after Suzanne’s disappearance, Barry Morphew was arrested and charged with murder after deliberation, tampering with evidence, and attempting to influence a public servant.
He was accused of killing Suzanne between May 9 and 10, 2020, during a time when their marriage was reportedly falling apart. Barry had allegedly been controlling and suspicious about Suzanne’s alleged affair.
However, Barry maintained his innocence, posting a $500,000 bond and being released from jail in September 2021. Despite the initial charges, the case took another twist in 2022 when the charges against Barry were dropped without prejudice, meaning they could be refiled later.
Barry filed a $15 million lawsuit against the authorities involved in his arrest, but this case was dismissed in 2024. In addition to these charges, Barry was accused of voter fraud in 2020 for submitting a presidential ballot in Suzanne’s name. He pled guilty to the charges and avoided jail time.
The Discovery of Suzanne Morphew’s Remains
It wasn’t until September 2023 that Suzanne’s remains were found in Saguache County, Colorado, nearly 50 miles from her home. This discovery provided new evidence in the case. The El Paso County coroner’s office later released an autopsy report in April 2024, which ruled Suzanne’s death a homicide.
The cause of death was linked to a combination of animal tranquilizers—substances commonly used for immobilizing wildlife—but no signs of trauma were found.
In June 2025, after years of investigation, a grand jury indicted Barry Morphew on charges of murder. He was taken into custody in Arizona and will be extradited to Colorado to face the charges.
What Was Barry Morphew Accused of?
In addition to the murder charge, Barry faced accusations of tampering with evidence and attempting to influence a public servant. Investigators alleged that Barry had been involved in destroying evidence that showed the deteriorating state of his marriage.
Furthermore, Barry was accused of using tranquilizers to control Suzanne, a claim supported by evidence found at the Morphews’ home, including a dart gun and empty tranquilizer darts.
One of the key pieces of evidence presented against Barry was his unusual behavior after Suzanne’s disappearance. Authorities noted that Barry didn’t appear to be concerned when he found out his wife was missing and acted strangely during initial interviews. The evidence against him grew stronger as the investigation continued.
Barry’s Other Legal Issues
In addition to the murder charges, Barry Morphew faced a separate legal issue for voter fraud. In 2020, he submitted a ballot in Suzanne’s name for the presidential election.
When questioned by federal investigators, he claimed he did it because he wanted Donald Trump to win and assumed Suzanne would vote for him anyway. Barry pleaded guilty to the charges in 2022 and avoided jail time, but he did face fines and court costs.
Suzanne Morphew’s Legacy and the Ongoing Case
Suzanne Morphew’s case has been a tragic and complex saga. After her remains were found, her family hoped that the discovery would bring closure, but the legal battle continues.
The charges against Barry Morphew may have taken years to materialize, but they are finally moving forward, and justice for Suzanne is now closer than ever.
While the case remains ongoing, Suzanne’s family and the public continue to await the next steps in this high-profile legal battle. The investigation has shown how an initially puzzling disappearance can unfold over years of careful examination and legal wrangling.
