Barry Morphew murder case

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SUMMARY

Barry Morphew's murder trial for the death of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, has been rescheduled to July 19, 2027, in Colorado, following a defense request for more preparation time. As of July 7, 2026, prosecutors intend to present evidence of domestic violence, including allegations that Morphew purchased and used a tranquilizer dart system on his wife before her disappearance. Morphew was re-indicted in June 2025 after initial charges were dismissed in April 2022, and he allegedly used the alias 'Lee Moore' while living in Arizona prior to his arrest. Suzanne Morphew's remains were discovered in September 2023, and her death was ruled a homicide in 2024.

Timeline

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Timeline of developments

July 2026 2 developments

  1. Barry Morphew Murder Trial Rescheduled for July 2027 Amid New Allegations

    Barry Morphew's murder trial has been rescheduled to July 19, 2027, with a six-week duration expected. Prosecutors intend to present evidence of domestic violence, including allegations that Morphew purchased a tranquilizer dart system and used it to subdue his wife before her disappearance. The delay was requested by Morphew's defense attorneys for additional preparation.

June 2026 5 developments

  1. Barry Morphew Allegedly Used Alias, Lived in Arizona Before Arrest; Prosecutor Disbarment Discussed

    Newly released documents indicate Barry Morphew allegedly used the alias 'Lee Moore' and lived with a woman in Arizona for over a month before his June 2025 arrest. The woman told authorities Morphew kept a safe at her house containing items like memory cards, a rifle, a silencer, and personal documents. Legal experts suggest the disbarment of former lead prosecutor Linda Stanley may not significantly impact the upcoming trial.

  2. Barry Morphew Allegedly Used Alias; Defense Seeks Trial Postponement

    Barry Morphew allegedly used the alias 'Lee Moore' while living in Arizona prior to his arrest. His defense team has also requested a postponement of the October murder trial, citing the need to review a substantial amount of discovery. Prosecutors have opposed the delay, suggesting a January 2027 trial date.

May 2026 6 developments

  1. Barry Morphew Defense Files Over 30 Pre-Trial Motions

    Barry Morphew's defense team submitted more than 30 pre-trial motions on May 20, 2026, seeking to exclude testimony on his mental health, credibility, and witness demeanor. A status conference is now set for June 24, 2026.

  2. Judge dismisses murder charges against Barry Morphew

    A judge has dismissed the murder charges against Barry Morphew, who was accused of killing his wife Suzanne Morphew. The exact circumstances surrounding Suzanne's death remain a mystery, though her remains were discovered in September 2023 and her death was ruled a homicide in 2024. Morphew was initially arrested in May 2021.

  3. Barry Morphew preliminary hearing reveals new details; defense files motions

    Disturbing new details have emerged during a preliminary hearing for Barry Morphew concerning the disappearance of his wife, Suzanne Morphew. The defense team has filed pretrial motions seeking to exclude evidence they deem overly emotional or interpretive. A status conference is scheduled for May 19, 2026, with the trial anticipated for summer 2026.

  4. Barry Morphew pleads guilty to forgery in wife's murder case

    Barry Morphew has pleaded guilty to forgery for using his missing wife's ballot in the November 2020 election. He was indicted for first-degree murder in June 2025 after initial charges were dismissed. His trial is scheduled for October 2026.

  5. Judge allows tranquilizer dart evidence in Barry Morphew murder trial

    A judge has ruled against Barry Morphew's defense motion to suppress evidence, allowing the prosecution to present its theory that he used a tranquilizer dart with a drug cocktail to kill his wife, Suzanne Morphew. The defense had called this evidence "junk science." Morphew faces first-degree murder charges after his wife disappeared on Mother's Day 2020.

April 2026 7 developments

  1. Judge restricts pre-trial publicity in Barry Morphew murder case

    A judge has imposed new restrictions on pre-trial publicity in the Barry Morphew murder case, limiting live-streamed court hearings to credentialed media. This decision aims to control public access and commentary on the proceedings.

  2. Prosecutors investigate Barry Morphew's alleged paperwork to cremate wife's remains

    Prosecutors are investigating alleged paperwork signed by Barry Morphew in January 2026 to have his wife's remains cremated, which could be an attempt to destroy evidence. This development was discussed during a status conference held on March 30, 2026. Morphew was released from jail in January 2026 on a $3 million bond.

  3. Judge Grants Suzanne Morphew's Daughters Right to Speak on Remains in March 2026

    A judge granted Suzanne Morphew's daughters the opportunity to speak in court regarding the matter of her remains in March 2026. This development occurred as Barry Morphew, accused of his wife's murder, faces a trial scheduled for October 2026.

  4. Barry Morphew pleads not guilty to murder charge after re-indictment

    Barry Morphew pleaded not guilty to a first-degree murder charge on January 12, 2026, following his re-indictment by a grand jury on June 18, 2025. The original lead prosecutor in his case, Linda Stanley, was disbarred in September 2024.

  5. 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upholds dismissal of Barry Morphew's civil lawsuit

    The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal of Barry Morphew's civil lawsuit against prosecutors and investigators on April 7, 2026. Morphew had alleged misleading statements and lack of probable cause in his arrest affidavit.

  6. Barry Morphew's defense team reviews new data ahead of April motions deadline

    In a March 9, 2026, status hearing, Barry Morphew's defense team began reviewing over six terabytes of new data ahead of an April motions deadline. A subsequent hearing was scheduled for March 30, 2026. Morphew faces a first-degree murder charge in connection with his wife Suzanne's death.

March 2026 5 developments

  1. Suzanne Morphew's daughters withdraw request for mother's remains

    Suzanne Morphew's daughters withdrew their request for the release of their mother's remains on March 31, 2026. The Alamosa County District Attorney had opposed the move, stating the remains are critical evidence in the murder case against Barry Morphew. Barry Morphew's trial is scheduled for mid-October.

  2. Barry Morphew signed cremation papers for Suzanne Morphew's remains before trial

    Prosecutors revealed on March 24, 2026, that Barry Morphew allegedly signed paperwork to have Suzanne Morphew's remains cremated shortly before his trial was scheduled to begin. Law enforcement secured the remains after obtaining a warrant, discovering Morphew had signed two forms authorizing the cremation. The cremation was scheduled for the day after the remains were secured, raising concerns about potential evidence destruction.

  3. Barry Morphew indicted for wife's murder; former prosecutor faces disbarment

    Barry Morphew was indicted for his wife Suzanne's murder in June 2025, after initial charges were dropped. His trial is scheduled for October 13, 2026. The former prosecutor who handled the initial case is facing a disciplinary hearing, with a panel recommending disbarment.

  4. Prosecutors oppose Morphew daughters' request for remains, citing evidence

    Prosecutors are opposing Suzanne Morphew's daughters' request to have her remains returned, arguing they are crucial evidence. The defense is challenging the prosecution's reliance on the wildlife sedative BAM, calling it "junk science." The trial is scheduled to begin October 13, 2026.

  5. Barry Morphew murder trial to focus on sedative found in wife's system

    The upcoming Barry Morphew murder trial is expected to focus on the presence of BAM, a powerful wildlife sedative, found in his wife Suzanne's system. Barry Morphew admitted to using BAM on a deer but denies using it on his wife. Meanwhile, the District Attorney's office has objected to the family's request to release Suzanne's remains, stating Barry Morphew, as the accused, has no right to decide on their disposition.

February 2026 1 developments

  1. Suzanne Morphew's Daughters Seek Return of Mother's Remains from Investigators

    Suzanne Morphew's daughters are seeking the return of their mother's remains, which were seized by investigators. They have filed a motion arguing the seizure violated their religious freedoms and right to grieve. The remains, discovered in September 2023, are central to the case against Barry Morphew, who has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder.

January 2026 5 developments

  1. Barry Morphew pleads not guilty; trial set for October 2026

    Barry Morphew entered a not guilty plea during his arraignment on January 16, 2026, and his trial has been set for October 13, 2026. A status conference is also scheduled for March 9, 2026.

  2. Barry Morphew pleads not guilty to wife's murder for second time

    Barry Morphew has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, for a second time. His trial is scheduled to begin, and his defense team indicated it would likely last several weeks.

  3. Prosecutors present new evidence in Morphew case, including DNA and truck data

    Prosecutors presented new evidence in the Barry Morphew case, including male DNA found in Suzanne Morphew's car that does not match Barry or her alleged lover, and truck data showing Barry's vehicle was moved closer to the house on the night of her disappearance. An autopsy report from 2024 ruled Suzanne's death a homicide, noting the presence of an animal tranquilizer for which Barry Morphew had a prescription.

September 2025 1 developments

July 2025 1 developments

  1. Barry Morphew indicted for first-degree murder of wife Suzanne, rearrested

    Barry Morphew has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge in the death of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, and rearrested. New indictment details reveal Suzanne's body was moved at least twice after her murder and that a unique combination of tranquilizer drugs, which Barry Morphew acknowledged using for deer, was found in her bone marrow. Morphew was arrested on June 20, 2025, and later released on a $3 million bond.

June 2025 3 developments

  1. Barry Morphew indicted for first-degree murder of wife Suzanne Morphew

    Barry Morphew was indicted for the first-degree murder of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, on June 18, 2025, and arrested in Arizona on June 20, 2025. Suzanne Morphew disappeared on Mother's Day 2020, and her remains were discovered in September 2023, with an autopsy in 2024 ruling her death a homicide due to intoxication of tranquilizer chemicals. Morphew had previously been arrested in May 2021, but those charges were dismissed in April 2022.

September 2024 1 developments

July 2024 1 developments

April 2024 1 developments

September 2023 2 developments

April 2022 1 developments

September 2021 1 developments

August 2021 1 developments

May 2021 1 developments

  1. Barry Morphew arrested, charged with first-degree murder in Suzanne's disappearance

    Barry Morphew is arrested and charged with first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and attempting to influence a public servant in connection with Suzanne's disappearance.