Found Deceased CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, Chaffee Co, 10 May 2020 #80 *arrest*

[NoSI]

From @NoSI ’s notes:

I’m super curious about this. Are we talking about a 22 caliber gun that shoots darts via a blank round, or what?

"Tranquilizer darts" – The darts found at Puma Path were the same one’s that are used by Animal Control; serum, dart kit includes syringe with needle to take out serum and inject into dart; 22 caliber is not projectile, just charge;

I have to defer @MassGuy... Not much clue at all what that means. I work with someone tomorrow who will likely know the answer. Will ask him and let you know what he says.

 

[MassGuy]

I have to defer @MassGuy... Not much clue at all what that means. I work with someone tomorrow who will likely know the answer. Will ask him and let you know what he says.

Grusing talked about knowing that a 22 could fire a tranquilizer dart. From what I can gather on YouTube, it utilizes a blank round to propel the dart towards the target, as opposed to using a standard dart gun.

"During questioning in November of 2020, Barry indicated he was shooting chipmunks. Grusing asked him if he was using a .22 caliber rifle, which he said was important because investigators found a tranquilizer dart cap in the Morphew’s dryer, and knew that a .22 caliber rifle would also fire that. Barry confirmed it was the .22 he was using to shoot chipmunks."

This would explain your notes, while also explaining the apparently inoperable dart gun in the garage.

So I’m intrigued.

 

[marylamby]

Well, you're right of course, but so far the Gone Girl theory makes more sense than any other, and the defense has to try and sell something. They can attempt a spaghetti defense, but at the end of the trial, they'll need to counter all the prosecutor's evidence with something more than spaghetti - and try to hope that one juror buys their "reasonable doubt" due to Gone Girl.

I can theorize that if JL is put on the stand and he says that Suzanne would never have left without keeping in touch with him and had absolutely no plans to do so, it might help demolition that.

The point about the charger is a good one, but a person can simply unlock their phone and buy a new SIM and be on their way - totally incognito to all those who once knew. It's a simple matter to change one's phone number. Of course that's not what she did - but I don't think even the FBI can say that Suzanne's device has never shown up again on the planet. The idea that Suzanne hitchhiked herself away from Barry and into a world without her daughters or JL...is bizarre. But there is a witness who said they saw an unusual car up that way, that day. This "witness" has gone on record, on video, but not MSM. However, it is not rumor to say that this person exists, can be seen in the crowd at the first presser, and talked about the case a lot in the early days - radio silence recently. I do believe he was interviewed by some reporter in CO (briefly, in the first 10 days after Suzanne went missing), maybe someone else will remember exactly where to find that.

I remember that too.
As far as Suzanne disappearing herself and that suspicious bank account, where would she have gotten the money to even open an account? It's my experience that you need $500 to open any account.
Barry controlled the money ("I was her ATM!") and I highly doubt she had the code/key to get into the safe in the garage. I'm of the opinion that she needed to show receipts for groceries and any other household necessities.
There's no way, again imo, that she would ever have monies available to retain a divorce attorney let alone get gone. That's why she discussed a modest property nearby for her to move near her daughter's school. He acted on board.
She couldn't grasp just how devious he was nor what he was ultimately capable of.
He was placating her while planning her demise. It's also my opinion that BM is a classic psychopath.
There are red flags that indicate narcissists. This is a whole other ballgame.
Suzanne was far from stupid. Most likely naive at first. Caught on eventually to his lies and infidelity in IN (per her sister's accounts) yet still hoped for the best but that's only due to him convincing her that he'd be faithful and wanted a new start - for the happily ever after.
I hope there are crack investigators working on Barry's background. I don't believe he just became a psycho.
He just hid it really, really well. That's what they do, it's their job.

 

[Seattle1]

Grusing talked about knowing that a 22 could fire a tranquilizer dart. From what I can gather on YouTube, it utilizes a blank round to propel the dart towards the target, as opposed to using a standard dart gun.

"During questioning in November of 2020, Barry indicated he was shooting chipmunks. Grusing asked him if he was using a .22 caliber rifle, which he said was important because investigators found a tranquilizer dart cap in the Morphew’s dryer, and knew that a .22 caliber rifle would also fire that. Barry confirmed it was the .22 he was using to shoot chipmunks."

This would explain your notes, while also explaining the apparently inoperable dart gun in the garage.

So I’m intrigued.

And perhaps explain the live 22 on the floor? Something about if a 22 was already in the chamber, it would be expelled unused.

 

[marylamby]

Grusing talked about knowing that a 22 could fire a tranquilizer dart. From what I can gather on YouTube, it utilizes a blank round to propel the dart towards the target, as opposed to using a standard dart gun.

"During questioning in November of 2020, Barry indicated he was shooting chipmunks. Grusing asked him if he was using a .22 caliber rifle, which he said was important because investigators found a tranquilizer dart cap in the Morphew’s dryer, and knew that a .22 caliber rifle would also fire that. Barry confirmed it was the .22 he was using to shoot chipmunks."

This would explain your notes, while also explaining the apparently inoperable dart gun in the garage.

So I’m intrigued.

That's what I remember too and have said so, which would explain the bullet found in the bedroom, if he were using a 22 with one left in the chamber. No chipmunks were harmed in this version of events.

 

[marylamby]

And perhaps explain the live 22 on the floor? Something about if a 22 was already in the chamber, it would be expelled unused.

Geeze, I just said that! Dang girl!

 

[clearskies1]

Sedated for what reason, tho?

That I don't know. I was trying to make a point about reasonable doubt regarding first degree. There's not a lot of evidence of premeditation to kill. It only takes one juror to question whether there is sufficient evidence. The burden of proof is on the state. JMO.

 

[O.Incandenza]

Grusing talked about knowing that a 22 could fire a tranquilizer dart. From what I can gather on YouTube, it utilizes a blank round to propel the dart towards the target, as opposed to using a standard dart gun.

"During questioning in November of 2020, Barry indicated he was shooting chipmunks. Grusing asked him if he was using a .22 caliber rifle, which he said was important because investigators found a tranquilizer dart cap in the Morphew’s dryer, and knew that a .22 caliber rifle would also fire that. Barry confirmed it was the .22 he was using to shoot chipmunks."

This would explain your notes, while also explaining the apparently inoperable dart gun in the garage.

So I’m intrigued.

So I guess the point is that the 22 rifle was capable of shooting the dart, but you would also need blank cartridges to propel it? I wonder if they found any of those? Either way, according to Barry he was tranquilizing deer a few weeks before, so he must have had a way to shoot the darts. Unless the dart gun only broke recently.

I have a hard time connecting the shell found in the MB to the scenario though. If the prosecution's theory is that he darted her and she fled and hid in the MB and he broke the door down, then he would have had to load the 22 with the dart a long time before breaking into the MB.

 

[MassGuy]

So I guess the point is that the 22 rifle was capable of shooting the dart, but you would also need blank cartridges to propel it? I wonder if they found any of those. Either way, according to Barry he was tranquilizing deer a few weeks before, so he must have had a way to shoot the darts. Unless the dart gun only broke recently.

I have a hard time connecting the shell found in the MB to the scenario though. If the prosecution's theory is that he darted her and she fled and hid in the MB and he broke the door down, then he would have had to load the 22 with the dart a long time before breaking into the MB.

They described the round as live, and they almost certainly would have differentiated between a blank and a regular live cartridge. So I don’t understand its relevance either.

 

[marylamby]

I also recall it reported that despite the state's objection, the defense brought up SM's two secret bank accounts. Although I don't know the reason for the objection, we do know that SO suggested to SM to begin putting money away that she could leave. I believe the state was aware of the new bank accounts but more important was aware that SM had no activity in any account - joint, secret, or other, since the date of her disappearance.

Perhaps the state objected to the defense wanting to put out that SM had deposit activity close to the date she disappeared to dismiss any notion that SM left voluntarily.

Defense attorneys alleged in court Tuesday that Suzanne Morphew also had a secret bank account, which received money on April 23, 2020, at 4:31 a.m.

Colorado dad charged with murdering wife found her texts with lover, prosecutors say

SUZANNE MORPHEW: Preliminary hearing in Barry Morphew trial reveals new details | FOX31 Denver

And how the heck would they know that it was a 'secret' account in the first place?
Does that mean an account to which Barry is not on? Did Barry SAY he didn't know about it? Again, his lips were moving somewhere in there.

 

[marylamby]

So I guess the point is that the 22 rifle was capable of shooting the dart, but you would also need blank cartridges to propel it? I wonder if they found any of those. Either way, according to Barry he was tranquilizing deer a few weeks before, so he must have had a way to shoot the darts. Unless the dart gun only broke recently.

I have a hard time connecting the shell found in the MB to the scenario though. If the prosecution's theory is that he darted her and she fled and hid in the MB and he broke the door down, then he would have had to load the 22 with the dart a long time before breaking into the MB.

"...then he would have had to load the 22 with the dart a long time before breaking into the MB."
I'm okay with that theory, goes to premeditation. He could've put the bullet from the chamber in his pocket.
IF he did tranquilizer her, I don't want to think what he might've done next but we do know his shorts were in the dryer.
The bullet may have fallen out when taking them off.

 

[O.Incandenza]

"Surveilance" - May 9, 2020: White Range Rover going westbound at 3:05 PM, Loaf & Jug, Undersherriff Andy Rohrich states several times that he never believed this is/was SMs Range Rover (even though another officer thought it was and wrote it up in the report as such). 14 minutes later westbound driving by Collegiate Peaks Bank at 3:19 PM, at 3:20 PM westbound by Salida Auto Sales. Defense states that it would take about 20 - 25 minutes from Puma Path to Loaf & Jug in Salida. Undersherriff Rohrich believes it doesn't take that long.

Also this part is sort of interesting. I guess the defense is going to argue that BM took the range rover to Salida Stove & Spa that afternoon, and that's why the F350 shows no movement and isn't on the cameras? Or maybe that Suzanne was alive and driving it at that point. But hard to understand why it would be moving west on 50 instead of east if it was coming from Puma Path, unless I've got my directions bungled.

 

[marylamby]

That I don't know. I was trying to make a point about reasonable doubt regarding first degree. There's not a lot of evidence of premeditation to kill. It only takes one juror to question whether there is sufficient evidence. The burden of proof is on the state. JMO.

Well, it goes to premeditation to incapacitate someone before killing them. Doubt he would shoot her with a tranquilizer just for the fun of it. If she'd regained consciousness, he'd have a whole lot of explaining to do.
I don't think anyone's that stupid.

 

[Seattle1]

I remember that too.
As far as Suzanne disappearing herself and that suspicious bank account, where would she have gotten the money to even open an account? It's my experience that you need $500 to open any account.
Barry controlled the money ("I was her ATM!") and I highly doubt she had the code/key to get into the safe in the garage. I'm of the opinion that she needed to show receipts for groceries and any other household necessities.
There's no way, again imo, that she would ever have monies available to retain a divorce attorney let alone get gone. That's why she discussed a modest property nearby for her to move near her daughter's school. He acted on board.
She couldn't grasp just how devious he was nor what he was ultimately capable of.
He was placating her while planning her demise. It's also my opinion that BM is a classic psychopath.
There are red flags that indicate narcissists. This is a whole other ballgame.
Suzanne was far from stupid. Most likely naive at first. Caught on eventually to his lies and infidelity in IN (per her sister's accounts) yet still hoped for the best but that's only due to him convincing her that he'd be faithful and wanted a new start - for the happily ever after.
I hope there are crack investigators working on Barry's background. I don't believe he just became a psycho.
He just hid it really, really well. That's what they do, it's their job.

I've not been quick to literally adopt the phrase "I'm the ATM" to mean SM had no access to bank funds because this phrase is used in my own family to imply "I'm the sole breadwinner." Also, I recently heard on one of the recaps that after the May 6 announcement, SM implied she would continue to help BM with his invoicing. This confirmed my long belief that SM was probably the bookkeeper for his business. I find this very typical if not expected in a relationship where one partner allegedly struggles with impulse control. From what we've seen -- why wouldn't SM be the brains behind BM's business. Lastly, how else would SM be able to put money away for her pending departure per SO's advice? MOO

 

[Blue Amethyst]

OK, All, remainder of morning session.

This is my interpretation of what I heard. This information has been provided for use and discussion at Websleuths only.

SM’s wallet in her Range Rover. It held SMs driver’s license, medical insurance card, cash, and a few checks.

May 11, 2020 – SM had medical appointment for cancer treatment scheduled for which she would have needed her insurance card.

May 11, 2020 – Search of Puma Path, including inside the residence. DAMAGE TO MASTER BEDROOM DOOR FRAME.

PEOPLES EXHIBIT 80: Photo of doorframe to master bedroom with a "crack" visible. The crack indicates "forced entry" and "door forced open from outside in". Previous owners denied that this crack was there when they sold the home to the Morphews.

PEOPLES EXHIBIT 81: Photo of one (1) unspent shell/"live round" next to SMs side of the bed.

On SMs’ nightstand was a book titled "Courage to Change" and her bible. "Courage to Change" is published by Al-Anon. SM also known to have journal that usually was with these items.

PEOPLES EXHIBIT 82: Photo of SMs "Courage to Change" book. It was opened to May 9th and May 10th. It was located next to SMs bible. The journal was never found.

Fireplace was searched.

PEOPLES EXHIBITS 83 & 84: Photos showing fireplace and contents of fireplace. Exhibit 84 shows "piece of wood with straight edge and lacquer finish", it was partially burned, there was also "paper material" and remnants of what looked like wrapping paper, two (2) "metal pieces" were found in the fireplace that looked like part of a hanging folder, there was also evidence of what looked like a "binding of a book".

"Search dogs" – Search dogs needed article of SMs clothing for scent purposes, BM was asked by LE to pick item of clothing under LE escort at Puma Path.

10:39 PM: 2 LE officers' interaction recorded via body cam at Puma Path. Undersheriff Andy Rohrich started saying "I found it odd….", Defense immediately and loudly stated "OBJECTION. MAY I APPROACH?" and he never got to finish until later.

PEOPLES EXHIBITS 95: Thumb drive containing video entering house, Officer Brown, another officer, and BM. May 20, 2020 at 9:37 PM BM in red flannel shirt, BM was told "Don’t touch anything", a pair of SMs bicycle shorts was taken for scent purposes, this was BMs first opportunity in house, Undersheriff Andy Rohrich finds it odd that BM was not asking any questions, was not looking around, BM supposedly last saw SM in bed, he didn’t look at bed, while in his residence.

"Winter" – Hunting deer, elk, elk are rutting, shed antlers before March, Antlers in May? "No", bulls not with cows in May.

"Left turn on US-50" – BM was supposedly following a bull elk because BM wanted to know where this bull elk will shed his antlers (IN MAY?!?!), as per Undersheriff Andy Rohrich a bull elk shedding his antlers in May would be "very unusual".

"Tranquilizer darts" – The darts found at Puma Path were the same one’s that are used by Animal Control; serum, dart kit includes syringe with needle to take out serum and inject into dart; 22 caliber is not projectile, just charge; Undersheriff Andy Rohrich informed that dogs would require varied cc’s of serum for sedation; the dog would never immediately go down and had to be chased and followed; he shared "sometimes we lose them and get a call later that a strange dog was asleep in someone’s front yard"; can euthanize with syringe in kit; BM had shared that he would tranquilize deer and then cut off their antlers; they would need to be chased (I don’t know if BM said that or Undersheriff Andy Rohrich educated on that); Undersheriff Andy Rohrich confirmed that there were "lots of antlers in house (Puma Path)", but NO EVIDENCE of "cut off antlers", only "antlers with skull plate".

May 13, 2020 – Photos of BMs injuries taken at the Department of Health and Human Services. Photo not shown in court room.

PEOPLES EXHIBIT 85: Photo of outside of BMs right hand, injuries visible in variable stages of healing.

PEOPLES EXHIBIT 86: Photo of outside of BMs left hand, injuries visible in variable stages of healing.

PEOPLES EXHIBIT 87: Photo of upper left arm, slightly below shoulder, finger nail injuries, "3 abrasions" that are starting to scab over.

"Surveillance video" – Undersheriff Andy Rohrich shared that there was "a lot of" surveillance video to go through; Poncha Springs Shell station (6 miles east of Puma Path); surveillance footage from house across street from DSI, where BM worked.

PEOPLES EXHIBIT 88, 89, 90: From same camera pointing towards DSI parking lot from house across the street. Footage/Photo not shown in court room.

#88: May 9, 2020 at 1:51 PM, BM in F350 pulling trailer with bobcat into DSI.
#89: May 9, 2020 at 1:51 PM, BM getting out of F350.
#90: May 9, 2020 at 2:05 PM, Bobcat back on (trailer??), BM wearing blue shirt and shorts. BM leaving DSI parking lot at 2:07 PM.

PEOPLES EXHIBIT 91: From camera at Salida Auto Sales, which is east of DSI. F350 with bobcat on trailer, 2:27 PM westbound on US50. Footage/Photo not shown in court room.

PEOPLES EXHIBIT 92: From camera at Shell Station. F350 with bobcat on trailer westbound on US50. 1:34 PM, but time on image 58 minutes slow, so it is really 2:32 PM. Footage/Photo not shown in court room.

Salida Stove & Spa would have been 1/8th of a mile from there, he would have passed it coming normal route from Puma Path. Why did he not go to Salida Stove & Spa at that time? He was not caught on Shell station surveillance camera later that day. Then seen again on May 10, 2020 at 5:14 AM going eastbound.

"Garfield mine" – 3 miles west toward Monarch, he was supposedly following bull elk, turned around at Garfield turnoff, 19 minutes from Shell station. The route from Puma Path to the Garfield mine would have been "pitch black and without light" early morning on May 10, 2020.

"SMs bike" – Located at 225 & US50, 100 feet south of intersection.

PEOPLES EXHIBIT 93: SMs bike upside down.
PEOPLES EXHIBIT 94: SMs bike right side up on wheels.

"Scott Banks" – Bike mechanic in Salida, very experienced (was bike mechanic for Team USA at one point and has been a bike mechanic for decades), worked on SMs bike x3, he put bike together when it was new, on May 7, 2020 he put new tires on the bike, he is familiar with the Santa Cruz Juliana mountain bikes, when bike found handlebars were twisted 180 degrees, brought up the term "ghostriding" and "pushing bike to allow to go freely, brakes drag", the way the bike was found is NOT CONSISTENT WITH CRASH, seen often with kids doing silly things on bike (this is how I took it at least).

Prosecution finished with Undersheriff Andy Rohrich.

IE starts cross examining Undersheriff Andy Rohrich at 11:41 AM.

"Body cam video" – May 10, 2020 at bike crash site: "BM was emotional when he arrived", BM contacted by dispatch on way from Broomfield back to Salida, BM reportedly asked Mr. Ritter to call LE about SM missing.

Undersheriff Andy Rohrich confirms that he reviewed all surveillance footage.

"Walmart Pharmacy Salida" – May 6, 2020 at 12:37 PM: SM with groceries in cart at Pharmacy, was handed white paper back by Pharmacy staff, likely prescription drugs, records were reportedly not obtained by Prosecution, 2 prescription bottles were found at Puma Path, one of which was "hydrocodone" and an antidepressants (mirtazapine?), neither bottle was dated May 6, 2020.

"Master closet" – A pair of bike gloves on floor in master bedroom closet; SM wore "distinct" bikini in selfie forwarded to JL at 2:03 PM on May 9, 2020; this bikini was reportedly located in the master bedroom closet with SMs other swimwear and not collected as evidence; no blood, not torn as per IE; Undersheriff Andy Rohrich stated that he could not tell on the picture if the bikini was torn, bloody etc.

"Surveilance" - May 9, 2020: White Range Rover going westbound at 3:05 PM, Loaf & Jug, Undersherriff Andy Rohrich states several times that he never believed this is/was SMs Range Rover (even though another officer thought it was and wrote it up in the report as such). 14 minutes later westbound driving by Collegiate Peaks Bank at 3:19 PM, at 3:20 PM westbound by Salida Auto Sales. Defense states that it would take about 20 - 25 minutes from Puma Path to Loaf & Jug in Salida. Undersherriff Rohrich believes it doesn't take that long.

"Surveilance" - May 10, 2020: Deputy Brown was 1st at bike crash site, he saw the bike down the embankment, Defense asks "it was easy to spot" and Undersherriff Rohrich replies "No", Undersherriff Rohrich was at the scene for approximately 30 minutes, it was so crowded at the scene that Rohrich eventually left.

Break for lunch.

Thank you so much @NoSI. We sure appreciate all the time and effort that you put into these reports.

It is nice to read the additional information that you provide. Now hopefully you can get some rest.

 

[katydid23]

It's obfuscation. It means nothing and is literally the defense creating a shadow serial killer as the Real Killers™!

There isn't ANY relevant DNA in this investigation. Barry's DNA on the bike is also irrelevant, he is seen touching it in the body cam footage. A print under the seat has a little more weight but again, he was touching the bike at the scene.

The complete LACK of DNA in this case is much more damaging to BM than anything else. Why wasn't Barry's DNA in her RR? Does anyone seriously believe that he never drove her car? He never took it in for an oil change and a detailing? He's an appearances guy.

Do we know if LE pulled the geo/black-box data from Suzanne's car? It wasn't discussed at PH.

The defense tried that charade in the Mollie Tibbetts murder too. Her blood and DNA was found in his car trunk, and he confessed to throwing her in his trunk when he abducted her. But at trial, the defense trotted out DNA from various items in his trunk, saying none of it was attributed to the killer/defendant. And it was smoke and mirrors because it didn't mean he didn't kill her. It just means other people had at some time touched things in his car trunk.

Just like the DNA profiles in Suzannes glove box. Big deal. Someone, sometime, touched something in there. Maybe a car detailer?

 

[Seattle1]

Also this part is sort of interesting. I guess the defense is going to argue that BM took the range rover to Salida Stove & Spa that afternoon, and that's why the F350 shows no movement and isn't on the cameras? Or maybe that Suzanne was alive and driving it at that point. But hard to understand why it would be moving west on 50 instead of east if it was coming from Puma Path, unless I've got my directions bungled.

I believe this sighting was actually debunked. The difference between surveilled RR and SM's RR was very distinct -- something like black grill & bumpers. MOO

 

[justtrish]

They could try but then how did she get gone? Who picked her up? I think they'll throw out more than a few alternate theories.

I think when the defense tries too hard to show many different theories it backfires. I think of the case of Christian Rivera, in the murder of Mollie Tibbits. They kept saying all kids of things and their big alternative theory is 2 masked men came into his house and kidnapped him and made him drive around while they adducted her and killed her, then told him to drive to a corn field where they got out and he had to dispose of her body. Oh and one of them said Jack (which happened to be the last name of Mollie's boyfriend) and then also tried to show that her boyfriend was an awful person and ran him through the mud. It didn't go well for the defense. I wish this type of thing wasn't allowed. It should be that they have to have proof of whateever story they are selling if they are presenting an alternative theory. Barry should have to explain all his lies if they are going to claim she just ran off or someone else did it and framed him or whatever else they come up with. Presenting a good defense with evidence that actually supports your theory is one thing, but this partial match stuff and insinuating his prints aren't on something, but someone else;s is (unknown) is somehow indicative of someone breaking in, no sign of a struggle, but not stealing anything, her money her car, just a ninja showed up and planted her bike and threw the helmet out, because a random ninja would know she bikes often and that her husband was also up to shady stuff so he would look guilty. It just doesn't sit well with me when they do this type of thing.

 

[TIGER0822]

@NoSI
Thank you so much for making the trip, taking the notes, and assembling them for us. It's so much better than parsing through all the tweets.

The one thing that jumped out at me on my first read of your most recent notes post was this: "DNA mix of 2 individuals on cap with BM reportedly excluded". I don't think I knew this, but maybe I missed the tweets about it. Definitely not a great fact for the prosecution's tranquilizer dart theory.

The defendant is pushing the envelope on this one. What is a ‘partially matched’ DNA and why three people, unlikely all three, if any were in the car…

Regarding the finger prints on the camera wire in the garage, they state it was not BM, MM or MM so it was likely SM. If it was SM they would be hammering it home…

 

[Error505]

Grusing talked about knowing that a 22 could fire a tranquilizer dart. From what I can gather on YouTube, it utilizes a blank round to propel the dart towards the target, as opposed to using a standard dart gun.

"During questioning in November of 2020, Barry indicated he was shooting chipmunks. Grusing asked him if he was using a .22 caliber rifle, which he said was important because investigators found a tranquilizer dart cap in the Morphew’s dryer, and knew that a .22 caliber rifle would also fire that. Barry confirmed it was the .22 he was using to shoot chipmunks."

This would explain your notes, while also explaining the apparently inoperable dart gun in the garage.

So I’m intrigued.

And a .22 is what BM says he uses to shoot chipmunks iirc. Or did I dream that @MassGuy? Lol