Barry Morphew was arrested nearly one year after his wife Suzanne Morphew vanished on Mother's Day 2020 and hundreds of searches and interviews later
The husband of a mother of two who vanished on Mother’s Day last year has been arrested nearly a year later in connection with her presumed death. Barry Morphew, 52, was taken into custody on Wednesday near his home without incident after hundreds of searches and interviews across several states.
Suzanne Morphew’s body has not been found since the 49-year-old disappeared on May 10, 2020, around Salida, Colorado. A few days after the holiday honoring mothers last year, investigators found an item that could have belonged to her and searched multiple waterways but did not find her body.
Her husband’s arrest affidavit listing evidence that led investigators to accuse him in her death is sealed, according to District Attorney Linda Stanley.
The investigation has included interviews with more than 400 people in various states and more than 135 searches across Colorado, Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze said.
‘Today is not the day for celebration nor does it mark the end of this investigation,’ Spezze said on Wednesday. ‘Rather it’s the next step in this very difficult yet very important journey as we seek justice for Suzanne and her family.’
Barry had posted a video on Facebook a week after she went missing, wishing for her to return unharmed.
‘No questions asked, however much they want, I will do whatever it takes to get you back,’ the husband wrote at the time.
Questioned by investigators after his arrest, Barry asked for a lawyer. A state public defender representing Barry, Daniel Zettler, declined to comment under office policy.
Suzanne’s brother, Andy Moorman, recruited volunteers in September for a independent search.
‘I’m not about finding somebody guilty or trying to inflict punishment on anyone,’ Moorman told KMGH-TV before beginning the search. ‘That’s not my job. That’s the law enforcement’s job.’
Barry faces charges including first-degree murder and is being held in jail.
Suzzanne loved her two daughters deeply and had a pashion for life, according to Spezze.
‘I believe people like Suzanne are a rare find and those who knew her were indeed very lucky,’ he said.
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