Still Missing CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, Chaffee Co, 10 May 2020 *arrest* #91

[sk716]

The condition of the truck makes me think it didn’t have much to do with transporting Suzanne. Were there photos of the bed of the truck? Speaking of bed, Barry didn’t make that bed in the master. Look at the way he lives-his garage, his truck, the safe. Suzanne wasn’t alive in the morning. If Barry slept, it was somewhere else.

THANK YOU! I've been trying to get that across for months,

 

[Momofthreeboys]

Seems the daughter's don't believe BM killed Suzanne.
Is it possible they actually really didn't like or love their mother? Are so judgmental about the affair that they washed their hands of her?
I would expect them to sit on the prosecution side if they felt he did it, and continue to love him but be adults and say even so, the medicine for murder is prison.

Yes.

There are power dynamics in most relationships and different dynamics with kids and their parents. Those girls probably love their mother and that doesn’t mean they don’t love their father. And again we are viewing this marriage essentially through Suzanne lens right now and the lens she choose to talk to her friends and JL with. I can’t grab onto one statement by a 16 year old and define that marriage. We are seeing and hearing one side of it and in some cases projecting our own life experiences or what we want to project to confirm a chosen position. The children see what they are allowed to see or what they stumble onto. I can’t stray into my feelings about the marriage or dynamics because one of the marriage partners is a victim and cannot speak for herself. And I cannot judge young adults for loving both parents no matter what. I do think finding out their mother was having an affair shook them to the core. They likely, if they heard arguments, heard grievances from both sides and perhaps they saw their dad walk away from arguments and take off as Suzanne seems to have told friends. They may have known their mother was checking up on Barry all the time and suspected their mom thought he was cheating on her. It is possible they heard Barry say he’d kill himself as Suzanne claims…that could easily be a huge conflict emotionally and intellectually to the kids from prosecution “Dad killed Mom.” We don’t know anything really.

 

[MassGuy]

The daughters are in a really bad spot. MM1 is Barry's golden child. MM2 suggested living with MM1 in Gunnison to get away from the fighting. MM2 seems to have preferred her mother to her father, not uncommon in two parent, two child households. It usually helps to keep a balance.

Barry's first act after getting rid of Suzanne was splitting the girls away from the Moorman's and Oliver's. During the months that MM2 lived alone with Barry, you can be certain he manipulated her and laid all of the blame for Suzanne "leaving" at the feet of his accusers.

Somehow, he convinced them she left them. It's the only logical excuse for them not being more cooperative.

He absolutely told them about the affair as soon as law enforcement brought it up. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if he told them about it prior to that (he knew).

"Mommy left us..."

Two funny things in the AA:

1. Barry tells Grusing that he had not told the girls about the affair, and later that day tells Grusing that he had told them about the affair (page 110).

2. Barry mentions several times the possibility that Suzanne ran away, despite later saying that he "never thought that." Page 109.

 

[sk716]

If I recall correctly gathering size was limited so not sure she even could have went in person. She could have travelled to Indiana, but as far as attending I think weddings, funerals, and other large crowd events were no allowed. I recall funerals having to be put on old because people were restricted to 10 I think.. if a wedding was restricted to 10 that would be mom, dad of both parties and maybe siblings. I don't know that Indiana for sure had that rule, but many places did just 2 months into the pandemic.

My experiences with Indiana indicates that they tend to be kind of laissez-faire about this kind of thing. I was curious. BBM

Wikipedia

May 2020

On May 1, Governor Holcomb announced a five-stage plan detailing the gradual reopening of business sectors in Indiana, with the final stage, completely reopening the state without restrictions, culminating on July 4. The previous statewide lock down was retroactively deemed Stage One. Stage Two began on May 4, with retail and commercial businesses operating at 50% capacity and mall common areas restricted to 25% capacity. A week after entering Stage 2, restaurants can open at 50% capacity for dine-in service and personal services can be performed by appointment only. People who can work from home are still strongly encouraged to do so.[needs update]

Bars, gyms, entertainment events and venues such as zoos, concert halls, movie theaters, bowling alleys, amusement parks, playgrounds, adult day cares, casinos, community swimming pools and camps are not open during Stage 2. However, churches will reopen on May 8.[needs update] Religious services were specifically exempted from the 25-person rule.

Additional restrictions remained in place for the three hardest-hit counties: Cass County, Lake County, and Marion County.[22]

The continued progression of the plan is contingent on 4 guiding principles:

• "The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients statewide has decreased for 14 days."
• "The state retains the ability to test all Hoosiers who are COVID-19 symptomatic, as well as healthcare workers, essential workers, first responders, and others as delineated on the ISDH website."
• "The state retains its surge capacity for critical care beds and ventilators."
• "Health officials have systems in place to contact all individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and complete contact tracing."[23]

 

[justtrish]

Seems the daughter's don't believe BM killed Suzanne.
Is it possible they actually really didn't like or love their mother? Are so judgmental about the affair that they washed their hands of her?
I would expect them to sit on the prosecution side if they felt he did it, and continue to love him but be adults and say even so, the medicine for murder is prison.

Yes.

I think the older daughter was out of the house when they moved to Colorado. I don't think she saw first hand how bad things were getting. I think the younger daughter saw a lot. She is the one Suzanne mentions in texts as saying to get divorced and Suzanne should get a restraining order. Suzanne tells us a lot in her texts. It paints a picture of manipulation by Barry to pull them in and make them feel bad for him and side with him. She mentions at least once where the girls didn't fall for it. Then the text on Mother's Day from MM2 to who I assume is her boyfriend, about her mom not responding and thinking her parents must have had a fight. She knew. I think deep down she knows and it hoping something comes up to prove he didn't do it.

I suspect if they don't support him and he gets away with this, then where does that leave them? Maybe there is some level of fear deep down. We know MM2 didn't even want to be home because the tension was so high. Who knows what he is saying to them now. I do think they know in their hearts that the marriage was not okay and they can see at least some of the lies because Barry admits to those. There is no way they don't have at least a bit of doubt. If the marriage was actually as Barry said and we had zero evidence that the girls knew he was manipulative, then I would think they could just innocently believe he had nothing to do with it.

 

[justtrish]

My experiences with Indiana indicates that they tend to be kind of laissez-faire about this kind of thing. I was curious. BBM

Wikipedia

May 2020

On May 1, Governor Holcomb announced a five-stage plan detailing the gradual reopening of business sectors in Indiana, with the final stage, completely reopening the state without restrictions, culminating on July 4. The previous statewide lock down was retroactively deemed Stage One. Stage Two began on May 4, with retail and commercial businesses operating at 50% capacity and mall common areas restricted to 25% capacity. A week after entering Stage 2, restaurants can open at 50% capacity for dine-in service and personal services can be performed by appointment only. People who can work from home are still strongly encouraged to do so.[needs update]

Bars, gyms, entertainment events and venues such as zoos, concert halls, movie theaters, bowling alleys, amusement parks, playgrounds, adult day cares, casinos, community swimming pools and camps are not open during Stage 2. However, churches will reopen on May 8.[needs update] Religious services were specifically exempted from the 25-person rule.

Additional restrictions remained in place for the three hardest-hit counties: Cass County, Lake County, and Marion County.[22]

The continued progression of the plan is contingent on 4 guiding principles:

• "The number of hospitalized COVID-19 patients statewide has decreased for 14 days."
• "The state retains the ability to test all Hoosiers who are COVID-19 symptomatic, as well as healthcare workers, essential workers, first responders, and others as delineated on the ISDH website."
• "The state retains its surge capacity for critical care beds and ventilators."
• "Health officials have systems in place to contact all individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and complete contact tracing."[23]

I'm curious if the wedding was at a church and if a wedding at a church would be considered a "religious service"

Many weddings are at fancy venues now. I'd be interested in knowing if that was the case.

Another consideration is even if the wedding was open, Suzanne was immune compromised and the evidence we have seen shows she didn't travel from March on when Covid hit.

 

[nyvictoria]

Seems the daughter's don't believe BM killed Suzanne.
Is it possible they actually really didn't like or love their mother? Are so judgmental about the affair that they washed their hands of her?
I would expect them to sit on the prosecution side if they felt he did it, and continue to love him but be adults and say even so, the medicine for murder is prison.

IMO Barry made sure the daughters would condemn her for the affair. He’s had plenty of time to convince the daughters that Suzanne was a terrible mother who didn’t care about them.

 

[DizzyB]

I'm curious if the wedding was at a church and if a wedding at a church would be considered a "religious service"

Many weddings are at fancy venues now. I'd be interested in knowing if that was the case.

Another consideration is even if the wedding was open, Suzanne was immune compromised and the evidence we have seen shows she didn't travel from March on when Covid hit.

It was an at home wedding (SO’s house), with a small gathering of family. Live streamed. Even though all of the kids had grown up together, the allure of a getaway camping trip may have been bigger than Zoom for the girls. I have no doubt that Suzanne would have logged on if she were alive. The girls could have watched it after. Suzanne may not have wanted to spoil plans by asking that the girls be back by Mother’s Day. Barry was out and about working during Covid, and it didn’t seem to come up as far as Suzanne being immunocompromised. Girls intended on bringing a guest home on Mother’s Day as well. At least that is what we have been told.

 

[Knox]

He absolutely told them about the affair as soon as law enforcement brought it up. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if he told them about it prior to that (he knew).

"Mommy left us..."

Two funny things in the AA:

1. Barry tells Grusing that he had not told the girls about the affair, and later that day tells Grusing that he had told them about the affair (page 110).

2. Barry mentions several times the possibility that Suzanne ran away, despite later saying that he "never thought that." Page 109.

I've finally started reading the AA - it's apparent Barry changed his story as more evidence was revealed to him. He's a lying liar who lies.

I especially like his squirrel story - but he never explained, when asked later about leaving his truck door open when he exited his truck? So are we to believe he arrived back home, jumped out of his truck and started running around the house shooting squirrels? But he doesn't remember where Suzanne was or what she was doing when he arrived back home? How does the 22 shell found on the bedroom floor play into that, or does it? Barry said it must have fallen out of his clothes Suzanne folded, he didn't know where it came from.

The proof of life picture indicates she was sunbathing outside? Which was within the time he arrived back home correct? I still don't have the sequence of events solidified in my head yet.

 

[Murphy1950]

If I recall correctly gathering size was limited so not sure she even could have went in person. She could have travelled to Indiana, but as far as attending I think weddings, funerals, and other large crowd events were no allowed. I recall funerals having to be put on old because people were restricted to 10 I think.. if a wedding was restricted to 10 that would be mom, dad of both parties and maybe siblings. I don't know that Indiana for sure had that rule, but many places did just 2 months into the pandemic.

It as a home wedding and reception, well attended and there is a pubic video, just not an approved source. It if had been restricted to "1" guest, it would have been Suzanne IMO, SO and Suzanne were that tight, and Suzanne is on the the Brides friend list on SMedia.

@DizzyB..now who's in who's head? let's go for 3

 

[Momofthreeboys]

IMO Barry made sure the daughters would condemn her for the affair. He’s had plenty of time to convince the daughters that Suzanne was a terrible mother who didn’t care about them.

Barry probably didn’t need to do anything. You leave a marriage then you go hangout with someone new and double that if that person is married. They probably weren’t thrilled he was married too with 6 kids.

 

[NothingSurprisesAnymore]

Wait... MM1 retained a lawyer almost immediately after Suzanne was reported missing? Is this verified?

I do not believe either daughter had anything to do with their mother's demise, but find it very odd that a daughter would lawyer up so quickly!
Any ideas as to why...

By the way, I'm new here and this is my first post. I have been following this case and find it all around very sad. I hope my question above is not offensive in any way, but am genuinely curious.

 

[Seattle1]

I think the older daughter was out of the house when they moved to Colorado. I don't think she saw first hand how bad things were getting. I think the younger daughter saw a lot. She is the one Suzanne mentions in texts as saying to get divorced and Suzanne should get a restraining order. Suzanne tells us a lot in her texts. It paints a picture of manipulation by Barry to pull them in and make them feel bad for him and side with him. She mentions at least once where the girls didn't fall for it. Then the text on Mother's Day from MM2 to who I assume is her boyfriend, about her mom not responding and thinking her parents must have had a fight. She knew. I think deep down she knows and it hoping something comes up to prove he didn't do it.

I suspect if they don't support him and he gets away with this, then where does that leave them? Maybe there is some level of fear deep down. We know MM2 didn't even want to be home because the tension was so high. Who knows what he is saying to them now. I do think they know in their hearts that the marriage was not okay and they can see at least some of the lies because Barry admits to those. There is no way they don't have at least a bit of doubt. If the marriage was actually as Barry said and we had zero evidence that the girls knew he was manipulative, then I would think they could just innocently believe he had nothing to do with it.

I believe MM1 was in her second year of University located in Colorado when the family relocated there. From the texts recently published in MSM, it's apparent that MM2 had been living among the marital tension whereas MM1 wished for the earlier relationship -- "their old family." JMO

 

[Cindizzi]

It was an at home wedding (SO’s house), with a small gathering of family. Live streamed. Even though all of the kids had grown up together, the allure of a getaway camping trip may have been bigger than Zoom for the girls. I have no doubt that Suzanne would have logged on if she were alive. The girls could have watched it after. Suzanne may not have wanted to spoil plans by asking that the girls be back by Mother’s Day. Barry was out and about working during Covid, and it didn’t seem to come up as far as Suzanne being immunocompromised. Girls intended on bringing a guest home on Mother’s Day as well. At least that is what we have been told.

AA page 6 Law enforcement interviews with the daughters on May 11.

MM2 says there were no plans for MM1 and her friend to stay the night at Puma Path on Sunday May 10.

 

[mrjitty]

I am very interested to hear from attorneys how the hearsay rule applies (or not) to all of the out-of-court statements by SM and BM. I generally see SM's statements coming in not to prove the truth of their contents (i.e. BM threatened suicide) but to establish her state of mind (she was scared, she wanted out of the marriage).

But could some of these statements come in as evidence that what she said was true? Will we see a motion to exclude at least some of these statements as inadmissible hearsay?

Is that what E&N are setting up by hammering on SM's lies to conceal her affair from her friends and family? That what she said in her written messages to them is too unreliable and prejudicial to be admitted in evidence?

This is a good question

I believe there is an exception for "unavailable witnesses"

I think they will also be admissible as to SMs state of mind

 

[Seattle1]

Wait... MM1 retained a lawyer almost immediately after Suzanne was reported missing? Is this verified?

I do not believe either daughter had anything to do with their mother's demise, but find it very odd that a daughter would lawyer up so quickly!
Any ideas as to why...

By the way, I'm new here and this is my first post. I have been following this case and find it all around very sad. I hope my question above is not offensive in any way, but am genuinely curious.

Welcome to WS @NothingSurprisesAnymore!
Unlike Facebook groups or YT chats, WS is a facts-based forum where posts other than personal opinions are required linked to approved sources. The best place to catch up on sourced facts in discussion is the MEDIA ONLY - NO DISCUSSION thread (linked on page 1 of every thread).

It was reported in the Arrest Affidavit (AA) that MM1 had stopped talking to investigators after her initial comments, and had obtained a lawyer. For your convenience, I'm posting a link to the searchable AA below. Also, I think somebody recently posted an excerpt of the AA with the lawyer comment upthread. As to why MM1 has a lawyer, she probably has better judgment about such things than her dad. To be clear, she's not a POI or suspect here.

CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, Chaffee County, 10 May 2020 , MEDIA,MAPS,TIMELINE *NO DISCUSSION*

 

[NothingSurprisesAnymore]

Welcome to WS @NothingSurprisesAnymore!
Unlike Facebook groups or YT chats, WS is a facts-based forum where posts other than personal opinions are required linked to approved sources. The best place to catch up on sourced facts in discussion is the MEDIA ONLY - NO DISCUSSION thread (linked on page 1 of every thread).

It was reported in the Arrest Affidavit (AA) that MM1 had stopped talking to investigators after her initial comments, and had obtained a lawyer. For your convenience, I'm posting a link to the searchable AA below. Also, I think somebody recently posted an excerpt of the AA with the lawyer comment upthread. As to why MM1 has a lawyer, she probably has better judgment about such things than her dad. To be clear, she's not a POI or suspect here.

CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, Chaffee County, 10 May 2020 , MEDIA,MAPS,TIMELINE *NO DISCUSSION*

@Seattle1 I appreciate your reply, thank you!
I can see where it is wise to have legal representation...

 

[NothingSurprisesAnymore]

Welcome to WS @NothingSurprisesAnymore!
Unlike Facebook groups or YT chats, WS is a facts-based forum where posts other than personal opinions are required linked to approved sources. The best place to catch up on sourced facts in discussion is the MEDIA ONLY - NO DISCUSSION thread (linked on page 1 of every thread).

It was reported in the Arrest Affidavit (AA) that MM1 had stopped talking to investigators after her initial comments, and had obtained a lawyer. For your convenience, I'm posting a link to the searchable AA below. Also, I think somebody recently posted an excerpt of the AA with the lawyer comment upthread. As to why MM1 has a lawyer, she probably has better judgment about such things than her dad. To be clear, she's not a POI or suspect here.

CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, Chaffee County, 10 May 2020 , MEDIA,MAPS,TIMELINE *NO DISCUSSION*

Also, @Seattle1
Thank you for emphasizing MM1 is not a POI or suspect, but exhibited good judgment in securing legal counsel.

 

[Warwick7]

AA page 6 Law enforcement interviews with the daughters on May 11.

MM2 says there were no plans for MM1 and her friend to stay the night at Puma Path on Sunday May 10.

Now isn't that interesting.

So certain sheets, weren't missing to be washed for MM1 so she could spend the night....

 

[Megnut]

Worth pointing out, Barry didn't get home until after 1 in the morning, more likely well after on 5/8-9. (His Bobcat was very busy at the beach.)

Then he changed his start time with MG, for the beach. Didn't he say something about a fire, before switching back to the original time?

Picked her up and later returned her to her vehicle, parked at the gym. (No issues with the smoker riding in his car on Saturday but suddenly a problem on Sunday?)

He had a short night at home on 5/8-9. (But an abnormally high amount of activity???? Did he sleep at all THAT night???? What was Busy B busy doing?????)

If he slept, where did he sleep?

JMO

Colorado Judicial Branch - Chaffee - Cases of Interest - People of the State of Colorado v. Barry Lee Morphew