Latest news with #Suzanne
Newsweek
a day ago
- Newsweek
Barry Morphew Indicted in Murder of Wife: What to Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A Colorado grand jury indicted Barry Morphew earlier this week on a first-degree murder charge in connection with the 2020 disappearance and death of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, according to court records reviewed by Newsweek. Barry Morphew, 57, was arrested in Arizona just days after the indictment and is being held on a $3 million cash-only bail as prosecutors seek his extradition to the San Luis Valley, court records show. Suzanne Morphew, 49, disappeared from the couple's Chaffee County home in May 2020, and her remains were not discovered until September 2023, Newsweek previously reported. Why It Matters This case has drawn nationwide attention, fueled by multiple failed prosecutions, the unusual circumstances of Suzanne's disappearance, and renewed debate over law enforcement accountability. The saga underscores the challenges of investigating and prosecuting cold cases in the United States, especially when initial proceedings are marred by procedural errors as seen in this case. What To Know Suzanne disappeared on May 10, 2020, from her family home in Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Her remains were ultimately found in a shallow grave near Moffat, Colorado, in September 2023 while officials investigated an unrelated matter. The autopsy concluded her death was a homicide "by undetermined means in the setting of butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine [BAM] intoxication," The Washington Post reported. Barry was initially charged in 2021, before his wife's remains had been found, but the case was dismissed in 2022. A judge found significant prosecutorial misconduct, including failure to release potentially exculpatory evidence—such as unknown male DNA discovered in Suzanne's SUV—resulting in the disbarment of former District Attorney Linda Stanley, according to the Associated Press. After charges were dropped, Barry sued police and prosecutors for $15 million for wrongful prosecution, as previously reported by Newsweek. That lawsuit was dismissed in 2024 and Barry, along with his legal team, have maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The new indictment draws on forensic evidence from Suzanne's remains, location data, and prescription records. According to prosecutors, no one apart from Barry purchased BAM in the relevant region of Colorado for years leading up to Suzanne's disappearance. Investigators found a tranquilizer dart gun and associated paraphernalia at the Morphew home, according to The Denver Post. The Washington Post reported that phone records cited in the indictment suggest that after sending a selfie to her extramarital partner on May 9, 2020, Suzanne did not use her phone further, and Barry placed his own phone in airplane mode around the same time. Surveillance and cellphone data reportedly tracked Barry disposing items in multiple trash containers on the morning following his wife's disappearance. This photo provided by Chaffee County Sheriff's Office shows Barry Morphew when he was arrested in connection with the 2020 disappearance of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, on May 5, 2021. This photo provided by Chaffee County Sheriff's Office shows Barry Morphew when he was arrested in connection with the 2020 disappearance of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, on May 5, 2021. Chaffee County Sheriff's Office via AP What People Are Saying Anne Kelly, the district attorney in Colorado's 12th Judicial District, said during a Friday press conference: "Law enforcement, the Chaffee County community and Colorado as a whole has never stopped fighting for justice for Suzanne." David Beller, Barry Morphew's attorney, told The Denver Post in a statement: "Yet again, the government allows their predetermined conclusion to lead their search for evidence. Barry maintains his innocence. The case has not changed, and the outcome will not either." What Happens Next Barry is expected to be extradited from Arizona to Colorado to face trial on the new charges. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment without parole. Proceedings, meanwhile, will continue in the San Luis Valley. Further hearings and motions are anticipated as both prosecution and defense prepare for trial.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Bookkeeper's killer might never share darkest secret after umbrella clue emerges
The loved ones of murdered Suzanne Pilley remain in a state of 'limbo' without a body to lay to rest, while her callous killer, David Gilroy, appears intent on taking the location to his own grave, in what is believed to be a disturbing bid for 'power' Edinburgh bookkeeper Suzanne Pilley vanished on the morning of May 4, 2010, never to be seen again. And even though her killer has since been caught, her family have never been able to lay her to rest. After she failed to turn up for work after the bank holiday weekend, a move said to be out of character for the 38-year-old, Suzanne's worried parents, Sylvia and Rob, raised the alarm. An investigation ensued, leading police to the door of Suzanne's colleague and former lover, David Gilroy, who was arrested and charged with her murder. Gilroy, now 62, was convicted of Suzanne's murder by "unknown means" in 2012, with the High Court in Edinburgh hearing how the married father-of-two had become infuriated after she'd ended their"turbulent" relationship. Although he'd returned to his wife after the split, Gilroy continued to harass Suzanne, bombarding her with hundreds of messages and even tampering with her email. Then, he responded with unthinkable violence, slaughtering Suzanne in the basement garage of the office block where they'd worked together in the city centre. He then concealed her remains in an alcove while he fetched his car. Callous Gilroy proceeded with a number of seemingly ordinary appointments while her body was stuffed in the boot of his car. He even attended a school play and enjoyed a family dinner out. From this point on, what happened to Suzanne's body remains a mystery, and one that evil Gilroy appears intent on taking to his grave. It's believed that Suzanne's body was buried in a "lonely grave" in rural Argyll, with cold-hearted Gilroy having made the drive to the small, historic town of Lochgilphead Edinburgh CID's investigation focused on the Rest and Be Thankful and Argyll Forrest, where it is suspected Suzanne's body was abandoned. However, despite extensive searching, nothing has ever been found, and her family have been left without a grave to visit. Gilroy, who is currently serving a life sentence with a minimum of 18 years, continues to plead his innocence to this day, much to the heartache of her loved ones, who long for "a sense of closure". Speaking after Gilroy's conviction, Sylvia and Robert issued the following emotional statement: "Although the trial has ended, our ordeal goes on, and we hope that one day we can lay our daughter to rest." However, during a 2019 interview on the podcast Body of Proof, Gilroy made it clear that he wouldn't be giving up his secrets, declaring that he would "fight until [his] dying breath' to prove his innocence. The killer, who has previously lost freedom bids at Edinburgh's Court of Appeal and London's Supreme Court, claimed: 'I think I've been denied justice. I do believe that I have more than enough to prove my innocence beyond any doubt.' Although the evidence against Gilroy was entirely circumstantial, each strand resulted in a "compelling" case against him. From the dirt and vegetation on his tyres, to the scratches on his hands he'd tried to hide with make-up, jurors weren't taken in by Gilroy's lies. And there is one piece of evidence that proved particularly convincing. Officers tracked Gilroy's journey to Argyll through CCTV and spotted an umbrella on the parcel shelf in the car boot. During his return journey, the umbrella was no longer visible, and it's theorised that he placed the item in the boot once he'd disposed of Suzanne's remains. Explaining why Gilroy will likely never reveal where Suzanne's body lies, Nicole Nyamwiza, Senior Lecturer in Criminology at The University of Law, Nicole Nyamwiza, told The Sun: "Refusing to reveal the location of a body is a pattern we've seen in several high-profile cases. It's often about control. "Even after conviction, the offender can still dictate the terms of closure. In the case of David Gilroy, the continued silence keeps the family in a state of suspended grief, and that in itself is a form of harm. This is not unique. "Ian Simms, who was convicted of murdering Helen McCourt in 1988, never revealed where he left her body. That refusal went on for decades. Despite forensic evidence, despite a conviction, he held on to that final piece of power. "For some individuals, particularly those with controlling or narcissistic tendencies, keeping that information back is deliberate. It sustains attention, preserves denial, or simply continues the exercise of control." Having never given up hope of locating Suzanne's body, her brave family has continued to persevere all these years, even launching Suzanne's Law in her name to stop killers who refuse to disclose where a victim's body is located from being granted parole. Reflecting on this "important step", Nicole continued: "There is also a wider issue here about what justice really means. If someone can serve a sentence without ever disclosing what happened to a victim's remains, we have to question how we assess accountability or rehabilitation. "Proposals like Suzanne's Law are an important step. They recognise that justice involves more than time served. For many families, justice starts with being able to bring their loved one home." Back in May 2020, on the tenth anniversary of Suzanne's death, Police Scotland renewed its commitment to finding her body, issuing a fresh appeal for information. Detective Chief Superintendent Stuart Houston, from Police Scotland's Specialist Crime Division, said: "I am entirely confident that justice was served in terms of Suzanne's murder. However, it is deeply regrettable that, as of now, we have been unable to recover her body and bring a sense of closure to her family. "We will continue to revisit this investigation and conduct fresh search activity in the Argyll Forest area whenever we receive new information from the public. So, with that in mind, I'd urge anyone who believes they have any relevant information, but who hasn't yet spoken with police, to contact us immediately." "Sadly, Suzanne's father, Rob, passed away in February 2019 without ever knowing what happened to his daughter. We remain committed to finding these answers for Suzanne's mother, Sylvia and sister, Gail." Meanwhile, heartbroken sister Gail Fairgrieve, stated: "For the past decade we have lived in a state of limbo, waiting for the news that Suzanne's body had been found, but we've never been able to get that closure. "We accept that Suzanne was murdered and believe that the person responsible is in prison, but we feel we cannot say a proper goodbye until her body is found. "Both my mother and I want to again thank the public who have continued to contact the police, which has always given us hope that Suzanne has not been forgotten. We understand that only one person can tell us where Suzanne is, but has refused to do so. Police Scotland will respond to any information and are committed to bringing us some form of closure. "Their investigation can only conclude when Suzanne is found, and so I would plead with anyone who knows something but hasn't come forward to search their conscience and get in touch. Not for our sake, but for Suzanne's. Please let us give her the burial and send-off she deserves." Those with information are asked to contact Police Scotland via 101. Alternatively, an anonymous report can be made to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
USA Today
2 days ago
- USA Today
Colorado man arrested again in wife's murder, three years after charges dropped
A Colorado man was arrested again in connection with the murder of his wife years after previous charges were dropped, according to authorities. A grand jury indicted Barry Morphew on a charge of first-degree murder on Wednesday, June 18. He was taken into custody in Arizona on Friday, June 20, according to the Chaffee County Sheriff's Office. In 2021, Morphew was charged with first-degree murder and tampering with physical evidence after his wife Suzanne went missing on Mother's Day 2020. Those charges were later dropped in April 2022 before his trial date and a year before her remains were found. The charges were dropped without prejudice, leaving room for prosecutors to charge him in the future with new evidence. "Federal, State and local law enforcement have never stopped working toward justice for Suzanne," Twelfth Judicial District Attorney Anne Kelly said in a news release. Officials plan to extradite Morphew, whose bail price has been set at $3 million, to the San Luis Valley in Colorado where he will face charges. It's unclear why he was in Arizona at the time of the Friday arrest. "Yet again, the government allows their predetermined conclusion to lead their search for evidence," Morphew's attorney David Beller told USA TODAY in a statement. "Barry maintains his innocence. The case has not changed and the outcome will not, either." Suzanne's remains found after three year search Suzanne Morphew, 49, was last seen on Mother's Day, May 10, 2020 in Maysville, Colorado after leaving her home for a bike ride. Neighbors reported the mother of two missing that same day, according to the indictment, which states her husband was the last person to see her alive. Barry Morphew was the only other occupant in their home, as their daughter was out of state on a road trip, the indictment states. Suzanne's mountain bike was found near the home later that evening and her helmet was found in a different spot nearby a few days later. A search for Suzanne went on for over three years until Sept. 22, 2023, when human remains were found in a shallow clandestine grave in Saguache just few hundred feet down a dirt road, the indictment states. The majority of her bones were found. A 2024 autopsy found drugs typically used to tranquilize animals in her system. It was determined she died by homicide. The indictment also cites a deleted text chain with Suzanne found on Morphew's phone during a forensic download. A single text message from Suzanne on May 6, 2020 read: "I'm done. I could care less what you're up to and have been for years. We just need to figure this out civilly." Morphew has repeatedly denied involvement The initial charges against Morphew were dropped after a judge barred prosecutors from calling most of their key witnesses, USA TODAY previously reported. The judge said prosecutors failed to properly overturn evidence including DNA found in Suzanne's SUV from an unknown male linked to other sexual assault cases in different states, raising the possibility of another suspect. Morphew has heavily denied having anything to do with her disappearance. In May 2023, he filed a $15 million lawsuit against prosecutors and investigators, accusing them of violating his constitutional rights. That same month, he spoke with ABC News, saying it was beyond hurtful to see his reputation and integrity battered by the accusations. He also insisted that prosecutors and investigators are too ignorant to look at other suspects and knew it was a possibility for him to be charged again one day. "They're wrong. They got tunnel vision. They looked at one person and they got too much pride to say they're wrong and look somewhere else," he told ABC News. "I was innocent the first time they arrested me so I'm sure it's possible (to be arrested again) but I don't have anything to worry about. I've done nothing wrong." Contributing: Vanessa Arredondo and Elinor Aspegren, USA TODAY
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
Barry Morphew, husband of Colorado mom Suzanne Morphew, charged with wife's murder 5 years after she vanished on Mother's Day weekend
The husband of Colorado mom Suzanne Morphew was arrested and charged with killing his wife more than five years after her sudden and mysterious disappearance, prosecutors announced. Barry Morphew, 56, was taken into custody in Gilbert, Arizona, on Friday after a grand jury indicted him on a first-degree murder charge in the death of his 49-year-old wife, who was last seen on May 10, 2020, according to the Twelfth Judicial District Attorney's Office. 5 Suzanne Morphew went missing after going for a bike ride. AP Advertisement 'Federal, State and local law enforcement have never stopped working toward justice for Suzanne.' District Attorney Anne Kelly said in a statement. 'The Twelfth Judicial District Attorney's Office stands in solidarity with Suzanne's family and the citizens of Chaffee and Saguache Counties in pursuing the Grand Jury's indictment.' 5 Barry Morphew was charged with killing his wife before the case was dropped. AP Advertisement Suzanne Morphew never returned home after going for a bike ride on Mother's Day, while her husband was reportedly out of town on a business trip. Her remains were discovered three years later during a search in Moffat, a town about 45 miles south of the Maysville home she shared with her husband and two daughters. 5 Attorney Iris Eytan suggested that Suzanne Morphew's 2020 death could be connected to other unsolved cases in Saguache County, Colorado. Denver7 Barry, who has consistently maintained his innocence, was initially charged in May 2021 with his wife's presumed death after quickly emerging as the prime suspect. Advertisement 5 Bary Morphew has denied any involvement in Suzanne Morphew's death. Morphew Family But a judge dismissed the case less than a year later. Barry and Suzanne's two adult daughters have remained by their dad's side, insisting over the years that they 'never had a shred of doubt' that he was innocent. 5 The Morphews' two daughters, pictured, have stood by their father. AP Advertisement Prosecutors are now working to extradite the accused killer back to San Luis Valley.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Toddler fighting for life after swim left her infected with deadly bacteria
A toddler has been left fighting for her life after contracting a deadly condition while swimming in a lake with her family during a day out as doctors fight tirelessly to keep her alive A two-year-old girl has been left in a critical condition after catching three dangerous strains of E. coli following a family day out at a lake. Little Elizabeth Faircloth became seriously ill just days after swimming and boating at Keystone Lake in Oklahoma, US, in early June. What began as a fun day in the sun quickly turned into a medical emergency. Doctors initially believed the toddler had strep throat and prescribed antibiotics - but the medication only worsened her condition, her heartbroken mum Suzanne Faircloth told US outlet KOTV. 'It blows our minds because we've never even heard of anything like this ever happening,' Suzanne said. READ MORE: Man, 55, diagnosed with dementia after doctor noticed one sign before diagnosis Further tests confirmed the devastating diagnosis. Elizabeth had contracted not one but three different strains of E. coli bacteria. The infection triggered Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a rare and potentially fatal complication that can cause kidney failure, brain injury and liver damage. 'It's a nightmare,' Suzanne said. 'And it happened so fast, within like a week, we're here.' Doctors have since placed Elizabeth on dialysis and medically paralysed her to give her fragile body the best possible chance of recovery. The paralysis is a temporary state induced by medication to help reduce strain on her organs. Her aunt, Melissa Lynne, has been sharing updates online, revealing that her kidneys have been the most severely impacted. 'Although the prognosis is hopeful, it will be a very long battle to get her well again,' Melissa said. 'It's uncertain if she will ever recover 100 percent, or if there will be permanent kidney and/or brain damage.' To make matters worse, Elizabeth has also developed a lung infection, but her care team are unable to treat it with antibiotics over fears it could worsen her already fragile state. 'They are working night and day, the staff is amazing, just to keep her stable,' her mum said. 'It kind of feels like you're drowning and you get brief moments of air just enough to keep you alive - but there's no end in sight.' The family have launched a GoFundMe to help with medical expenses, raising more than $8,000 (£6.6k) of their $10,000 (£8k) target so far. In a heartfelt message, they urged other parents to be aware of the symptoms and act fast if their children fall ill after swimming in open water. 'We just can't imagine another child fighting for their life or parents living through this hell, when we could have warned families,' they wrote. 'Stay vigilant, parents, and get your kids in early if symptoms arise after a lake day. The faster you get your kids in, the better the odds.'
