Suzanne Morphew was officially reported missing on May 10, 2020, which was Mother’s Day. On that particular day, Suzanne Morphew had been alone at home because her two daughters, Macy (16) and Mallory (20), were away on a church-organized camping trip and had plans to return later that same day. When a neighbor could not get in touch with Suzanne and grew concerned, they contacted the authorities, initiating a missing person investigation.
Following this report, law enforcement began to scrutinize the story of Barry Morphew, Suzanne Morphew’s husband. Investigators focused on his statements and actions surrounding Suzanne’s disappearance. Although Barry was later arrested in connection with her presumed death, the initial charges filed against him were dismissed without prejudice, a legal designation that allowed prosecutors the option to refile charges in the future should new evidence emerge.
The search for Suzanne Morphew continued over the following years, and on September 22, 2023, a significant breakthrough occurred. Her remains were finally discovered in a remote location during an unrelated search operation. The skeletal remains were found in and around what was described in the indictment as a “shallow, clandestine grave” located in an isolated area near Moffat, Colorado, an area colloquially known as “the boneyard.” This location was roughly an hour south of the Morphew family residence.
Forensic specialists, including a board-certified anthropologist, a botanist, and an entomologist, were called in to examine the remains. Their analysis led to a significant finding: based on the state of decomposition and environmental evidence, they concluded that Suzanne did not decompose at that site, indicating that her body had been moved post-mortem—and likely more than once. According to the indictment, her remains were first buried elsewhere and later relocated to the shallow grave where they were eventually found.
Local journalist Dan “Dan R” Ridenour, a longtime resident of Salida, Colorado, where the Morphews lived at the time of Suzanne Morphew’s disappearance, weighed in on the findings during an interview with 48 Hours. Ridenour expressed deep skepticism about the scenario outlined in the indictment. “Why would Barry do that?” he asked. “Why would he move the body?” He also questioned the logic behind Barry transporting his wife’s remains such a long distance—approximately 70 miles south—while under intense public scrutiny. “There is not a more recognizable face in Salida than Barry Morphew,” Ridenour said. “He’s going to take that chance and dig a shallow grave? There are too many questions.”
Suzanne Morphew Cause of Death
Despite these questions, the indictment was clear in its assertion: Suzanne Morphew’s body had been moved multiple times after her murder. This supports the theory that the San Luis Valley grave was not the original burial site.
Further forensic testing of Suzanne Morphew’s bone marrow uncovered traces of a substance known as BAM, a tranquilizer compound typically used on wildlife. According to the indictment, Barry Morphew admitted to using BAM to sedate deer in the past. In fact, he had used it just one month prior to Suzanne’s disappearance to tranquilize a deer near the breezeway of their home.
The toxicologist’s findings were significant: the presence of BAM in Suzanne Morphew’s system, combined with evidence of her body metabolizing the drug, strongly suggests that she did not die immediately after exposure. This detail gave rise to a disturbing theory among investigators—that Barry may have injected Suzanne with a tranquilizer and then chased her around their home, possibly during a confrontation that escalated into violence. This theory is partly supported by physical evidence, including a broken door frame, suggesting a struggle took place.
Suzanne Morphew Murder Suspect
However, in June 2025, following a second grand jury indictment, Barry Morphew was re-arrested in Arizona—two days after being formally charged once again in connection with Suzanne’s murder. The new indictment presented previously undisclosed evidence and allegations, reigniting national interest in the case. Barry has continued to maintain his innocence, and his two adult daughters have publicly stood by their father throughout the investigation.
Adding to the suspicion was the discovery of a clear plastic cap in the family’s dryer, which authorities believe may have come from a syringe used in tranquilizer darts. Barry admitted he knew how to inject chemicals into darts and that he had done so frequently when hunting deer, collecting trophies in the form of deer heads and antlers, many of which were found in his garage. However, no tranquilizer gun was recovered at the scene, and Barry’s DNA was not detected on the plastic cap.
To further strengthen their case, investigators turned to digital vehicle forensics—an advanced method of extracting data from a vehicle’s onboard computers. They accessed information from Barry Morphew’s Ford truck, which contradicted his alibi. While he claimed to be asleep during key hours, the truck’s digital records showed its doors were opening and closing, implying movement and activity inconsistent with sleep.
Barry Morphew was first arrested and charged with first-degree murder and other related offenses in May 2021. He pleaded not guilty, and the case eventually fell apart due to evidentiary issues, leading to the dismissal of the charges.