Remains found of Suzanne Morphew, Colorado mother missing since 2020

The Colorado Bureau of Investigation found the remains of Suzanne Morphew, the mother who went for a bike ride on Mother’s Day 2020 and never returned, the agency announced Wednesday. 

The discovery of Suzanne Morphew’s remains came as authorities were pursuing a different case in the area of Moffat, about 40 miles south of the Salida area, where Morphew, 49, was reported missing. It's the latest twist in a mystery that saw prosecutors charge her husband with murder and then drop their case.

Colorado investigators did not specify the location or state of the human remains and said the case is under investigation. No arrests have been made since the discovery. 

“While this case has garnered attention from around the world, it has touched our community and the sheriff’s office deeply,” said Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze in a release. “We have never stopped our investigation and will continue to follow all leads in pursuit of justice for Suzanne.”   

Barry Morphew, 53, was arrested in 2021 in connection with Suzanne Morphew’s murder nearly a year after his wife went missing, according to a news release from the Chaffee County Sheriff's Department. He was charged with first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence, but prosecutors eventually dropped the charges.

Barry Morphew filed a $15 million lawsuit in May against prosecutors and investigators, accusing them of violating his constitutional rights. His attorney, Iris Eytan, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Wednesday.

Suzanne Morphew case:Colorado man arrested on first-degree murder charge, nearly one year after wife's disappearance

Investigators' case against Barry Morphew

Suzanne Morphew disappeared after leaving her home for a bike ride in the Salida area in southern Colorado on May 10, 2020. Her case caught national attention from features on shows like "Profiling Evil" and "Dr. Oz."

The arrest affidavit laying out investigators’ case against Barry Morphew said his wife insisted on leaving him, and he later changed his statements as evidence in the case developed.

Barry Morphew, an avid hunter, did not initially tell investigators that he went out of his way as he left for work on Mother’s Day, driving toward the place where his wife’s bicycle helmet was eventually found. Later, he said he went that way because he had seen an elk cross the road, according to the affidavit.

Prosecutors dropped the charges after they were barred by a judge from calling most of their key witnesses for repeatedly failing to follow rules for turning over evidence in his favor. That included DNA from an unknown male linked to sexual assault cases in other states, which was found in Suzanne Morphew’s SUV, raising the possibility of another suspect being involved.

'Never stopped our investigation'

The charges against Barry Morphew were dismissed without prejudice, leaving the door open should prosecutors later decide to pursue a case against him again.

“While this case has garnered attention from around the world, it has touched our community and the sheriff’s office deeply,” Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze said Wednesday. “We have never stopped our investigation and will continue to follow all leads in pursuit of justice for Suzanne.”

A week after she went missing, Barry Morphew posted a video on Facebook pleading for the mother of two's safe return.

“No questions asked, however much they want, I will do whatever it takes to get you back,” he said.

Last year, Barry Morphew pleaded guilty to forgery for casting Suzanne Morphew’s 2020 election ballot for then-President Donald Trump after she had already been reported missing. Barry Morphew was fined and assessed court costs of $600, The Denver Post reported.

He avoided jail time as part of a plea agreement.

Contributing: The Associated Press