Suzanne Morphew, a mother-of-two, was reported missing on May 10, 2020. She had reportedly gone missing from her home near Maysville.
The investigation into the disappearance of one woman, who was reported missing on Mother's Day in 2020, has come to an end partially as her husband was taken into custody on May 5, 2021. Suzanne Morphew, a mother-of-two, was reported missing on May 10, which was Mother’s Day, in 2020. She had reportedly gone missing from her home near Maysville, according to the sheriff’s office, reports the Canon City Daily Record.
Local authorities, the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and the FBI have been looking for the 49-year-old woman since then. The Chaffee County Sheriff's office announced that they arrested Barry Morphew, her husband, as a suspect in the death of his wife. Her body still hasn't been found. Barry was arrested near his home in the Poncha Springs area. He was cooperative during the arrest and is being held at the Chaffee County Jail. He was questioned by investigators but he refused to answer and asked for an attorney.
So far, 70 investigators have been searching for Suzanne and interviewed more than 400 people the past year. They had received 1,400 tips on the case.
The 49-year-old was reported missing by a neighbor when she didn't return after a bike ride in 2020. Volunteers from across the country, tracking dogs, water rescue teams, and tactical mountain search and rescue teams had looked for her but to no avail.
A week after she went missing, Barry had released a video saying, "I will do whatever it takes to get you back." He claimed to be innocent during the entire investigation.
Her family has found some relief after all this time. "I’m pleased with where we are at, this is a step in a long journey," said David Moorman, Suzanne’s brother. “It has been a very emotional day, we are trying to wrestle with what has happened." David, who lives in Indiana, said his family is “thankful" to the authorities.
Her sister, Melinda Moorman, was quoted by Fox21 as saying, "My first reaction is relief and grateful. I’m just so grateful." She said that the county sheriff had called her after taking Barry into custody. Melinda said she was thankful for law enforcement’s "tireless" work.
"Today, justice is beginning for my sister," she added. "It’s been a journey that no one ever imagines that they’ll take," said the distraught sister. However, she added that she still loves her brother-in-law, "though he’s done a terrible thing."
Eleventh Judicial District Attorney Linda Stanley said that they haven't identified the cause of Suzanne’s death. "At this time, without the body, we wouldn’t be able to say that publicly," said Linda. "We do have information that led us to this point today, and how we think certain scenarios have occurred, but as we investigate further, that may change. So at this time, I can’t comment," she added.
Barry was charged with first-degree murder, tampering with evidence, and attempt to influence a public servant, as per Daily Record. The case file, including an arrest affidavit, is sealed. "That’s where we are today,” said Sheriff John Spezze. The authorities "believe" that Suzanne is not alive. They had also come up with conclusions on how Suzanne died, but they didn't reveal more.
References:
https://www.fox21news.com/top-stories/barry-morphew-charged-with-murder-arrested-in-chaffee-county/?
Cover image source: Chaffee County Sheriff's Office/Facebook
