Still Missing CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, Chaffee Co, 10 May 2020 *arrest* #97

[katydid23]

Nevertheless, when push comes to shove, guess who Barry cares about the most?

Exactly. I know he loves having the undying devotion from his women, and he'd hate to lose that. But if he saw them getting close to searching the right mineshaft, he'd have hightailed it out of the country as fast as possible.

 

[katydid23]

No, I don’t really think the jury will think she was riding her bike mothers day morning. To much evidence that she was incapacitated before that (going silent on social media, phone turned off, truck data, BM phone data, etc)

However I think the DA using things like BH saying SM would ‘never’ ride up that way and she would ‘always’ drive to the trail, bring her phone and camel back. Weakens the prosecution case because it gives a spot for the defense to introduce reasonable doubt. If the defense pokes to many holes in the prosecution evidence, it will make the jury question other parts of the evidence.

As does, IMO, using a bike mechanic as a bike crash experts saying because of the front wheel position means the bike was staged. Just have the cops testify and show photo/video evidence about lack of disturbed ground anywhere in the path of the crash, which you would expect if there was a crash.

IMO The AA and PH had a lot of damning evidence and a lot of questionable evidence. IMO you don’t give attorneys as good as BM’s any avenues of attack if you don’t have to. Why use questionable evidence instead of sticking to the evidence that is way less questionable and overwhelming proof of guilt?

Interesting point of view, but I am not sure I agree. I think it is fine to explain to a jury ALL of the things which make one doubt there was a bike ride by SM on that hill that morning. Include the bike mechanic and the daughter's boyfriend as well as the forensics crime scene pix and the cell evidence, etc.

That way, if the defense wants to spend time and energy refuting the boyfriend and/or the bike mechanic, so be it. That does nothing to refute the pictures/forensics or the cops testimony or the things she left behind in the car, the turned off cell, etc etc.

And I think the boyfriend made very credible points. He is also a bicyclist and had many discussions with SM about her beginning to learn this sport, and where she should or shouldn't ride, etc. Even I know not to try and ride my bike on a steep gravel road. He knew her specific riding history as she had posted pictures of her previous rides. He went looking for her that night and did not search that one road for a valid reason--she would never attempt that hill at this point in her experience level.

I would find that very valid testimony if I was a juror. JMO.

 

[DizzyB]

Interesting point of view, but I am not sure I agree. I think it is fine to explain to a jury ALL of the things which make one doubt there was a bike ride by SM on that hill that morning. Include the bike mechanic and the daughter's boyfriend as well as the forensics crime scene pix and the cell evidence, etc.

That way, if the defense wants to spend time and energy refuting the boyfriend and/or the bike mechanic, so be it. That does nothing to refute the pictures/forensics or the cops testimony or the things she left behind in the car, the turned off cell, etc etc.

And I think the boyfriend made very credible points. He is also a bicyclist and had many discussions with SM about her beginning to learn this sport, and where she should or shouldn't ride, etc. Even I know not to try and ride my bike on a steep gravel road. He knew her specific riding history as she had posted pictures of her previous rides. He went looking for her that night and did not search that one road for a valid reason--she would never attempt that hill at this point in her experience level.

I would find that very valid testimony if I was a juror. JMO.

Amazing that everyone else involved had a story that is in direct contrast to Barry’s narrative. No crazy climbs for Suzanne, no romantic times where cell phones were turned off, no perfect marriage, no 5 a.m. planned departure for Broomfield, no extra workers needed, no mountain lion.

 

[mom2chloe]

Interesting point of view, but I am not sure I agree. I think it is fine to explain to a jury ALL of the things which make one doubt there was a bike ride by SM on that hill that morning. Include the bike mechanic and the daughter's boyfriend as well as the forensics crime scene pix and the cell evidence, etc.

That way, if the defense wants to spend time and energy refuting the boyfriend and/or the bike mechanic, so be it. That does nothing to refute the pictures/forensics or the cops testimony or the things she left behind in the car, the turned off cell, etc etc.

And I think the boyfriend made very credible points. He is also a bicyclist and had many discussions with SM about her beginning to learn this sport, and where she should or shouldn't ride, etc. Even I know not to try and ride my bike on a steep gravel road. He knew her specific riding history as she had posted pictures of her previous rides. He went looking for her that night and did not search that one road for a valid reason--she would never attempt that hill at this point in her experience level.

I would find that very valid testimony if I was a juror. JMO.

Do we know that MH is indeed on the witness list? TIA.

 

[MassGuy]

Do we know that MH is indeed on the witness list? TIA.

We haven't seen the official list yet, but he is on that 500 person one. I can't imagine he won't be called, as he's key to the timeline.

 

[Aloe]

If I was totally innocent, and yet I was on trial for murdering my missing husband, I don't think I would be smiling like a Cheshire Cat, and skipping into court with my 2 children, hand in hand. I think I would look seriously concerned and intent, hoping to prove my innocence. I think I would be taking it seriously, not acting like it was no big thing and pretending I was unfazed. JMO

Yep, definitely bizarre twilight zone behavior, smiling and waving and looking so fine. Imagine, if you will. edit to add JMO ( i know they haven't waved...yet)

 

[Kemug]

If I was totally innocent, and yet I was on trial for murdering my missing husband, I don't think I would be smiling like a Cheshire Cat, and skipping into court with my 2 children, hand in hand. I think I would look seriously concerned and intent, hoping to prove my innocence. I think I would be taking it seriously, not acting like it was no big thing and pretending I was unfazed. JMO

But you my dear are innocent and intelligent.

 

[BDAJAG]

BBM

Barry Morphew is no fool. Hunting is his life. MOO is, he knew all too well that leaving any biological evidence was not in his calculations.

How far in advance...I don't know.

BM like any serious hunter it would be far safer and more enjoyable if he was in good health and physical condition ahead of time.

Serious hunters are into bicycling, swimming, or weight lifting because it helps them prepare; which the gym is something we know BM did many times per week.

Besides physical conditioning, hunting demands far more logistical planning than almost anywhere else. One must be self-reliant, capable of remaining in the field longer than expected under difficult circumstances. This is something BM knew all too well.

Prohunter...anger...jealousy...$$$..
...tranq darts...unconsciousness...moving the body off the property... w/ no recovered biological evidence.

Yes!
Very respectfully, I'll build on your "moving the body/no recovered bio evidence", as these two post-demise aspects remain notably unresolved.
[Frankly, I don't believe, absent a freak confession, that these two matters will ever be put to rest.]

Now, perhaps Suzanne, having been rendered unresponsive in the home, is promptly shrouded in a substantial, damp, earth-tone fabric [at-hand & on-scene], and shoulder-hoisted out of their dwelling STAT;

Thence, without ever setting this burden down, but [sensitively] shifting it to the front and across his arms, it/she is carried [reverently] to the mossy-stoned margin of their 'land's renewing waters'. [BarryPsalmI];​

And, laid supine, she becomes blemished with a perfect but unnatural aperture, allowing Suzanne's life-blood to efficiently flow forth, becoming inseparable from that numbingly-cold rivulet, {which through a blissful haze for some minutes she might have actually sensed}, just dozing at the edge of her pebbled bed . Likely dreaming, drifting ... peacefully...with heavy eyes ... finally and blessedly arriving at the end of her life experience.
Tranquil; gut-wrenching.

* * *​

Now way back, IIRC, did not a number of us share thoughts concerning the apparent significance Barry attached to his creation of "memorials" ?
A vexing notion, but with the foregoing hypothetical, as the "living, expressive" waters of the S. Arkansas meander onto, and thereby "sanctify," a vast, majestic downstream wilderness ... would not Barry have established his quintessential memorial and tribute to his selfless angel?

Arrgh. ​

I must shut down my little grey cells, post haste.

​

<I do apologize. I get going on these unsettled, and unsettling macabre scenarios, and slowly lose it. I earnestly appreciate this place, where I feel secure in doing so.>

 

[mrjitty]

I am still waiting to hear what is the plausible alternative to BM being guilty that raises reasonable doubt?

Something that is a real possibility, and not merely speculative?

Reasonable doubt is not raised in this (or any) case by speculating away pieces of circumstantial evidence one by one. There needs to be a plausible alternative killer.

I don't think the defence can simply be "whoops where's my wife gone"

 

[MassGuy]

I am still waiting to hear what is the plausible alternative to BM being guilty that raises reasonable doubt?

Something that is a real possibility, and not merely speculative?

Reasonable doubt is not raised in this (or any) case by speculating away pieces of circumstantial evidence one by one. There needs to be a plausible alternative killer.

I don't think the defence can simply be "whoops where's my wife gone"

No one has even tried to do that, and it always bodes well for cases like this.

People can pick apart little bits and pieces, but they can't make the argument that Suzanne took off, or she was kidnapped.

They can't do that because of all the evidence against Barry. You have to explain all of that away, then make a case for the other two options.

 

[katydid23]

I am still waiting to hear what is the plausible alternative to BM being guilty that raises reasonable doubt?

Something that is a real possibility, and not merely speculative?

Reasonable doubt is not raised in this (or any) case by speculating away pieces of circumstantial evidence one by one. There needs to be a plausible alternative killer.

I don't think the defence can simply be "whoops where's my wife gone"

Barry staged the bicycle scene and by doing so, he greatly narrowed down the plausible alternatives, to her going missing on that trail. It is either that, or he, or someone, staged the scene.

So staging that scene clearly backfired, imo.

 

[MassGuy]

Barry staged the bicycle scene and by doing so, he greatly narrowed down the plausible alternatives, to her going missing on that trail. It is either that, or he, or someone, staged the scene.

So staging that scene clearly backfired, imo.

Yup. You stage the scene to direct law enforcement attention away from where it would otherwise go.

Here, it would typically go straight to the husband. If the bike was staged, the killer can only be one person.

To believe Barry is innocent, you'd have to believe Suzanne actually went on a bike ride. There is no shortage of evidence that refutes that

 

[mrjitty]

Barry staged the bicycle scene and by doing so, he greatly narrowed down the plausible alternatives, to her going missing on that trail. It is either that, or he, or someone, staged the scene.

So staging that scene clearly backfired, imo.

Agreed

Why would an abductor stage the bike? It makes no sense.

 

[mrjitty]

Yup. You stage the scene to direct law enforcement attention away from where it would otherwise go.

Here, it would typically go straight to the husband. If the bike was staged, the killer can only be one person.

To believe Barry is innocent, you'd have to believe Suzanne actually went on a bike ride. There is no shortage of evidence that refutes that

Staging is the second dumbest thing you can do, right after killing your wife.

 

[mrjitty]

No one has even tried to do that, and it always bodes well for cases like this.

People can pick apart little bits and pieces, but they can't make the argument that Suzanne took off, or she was kidnapped.

They can't do that because of all the evidence against Barry. You have to explain all of that away, then make a case for the other two options.

IMO obviously SM deciding to go missing herself can be ruled out as pure speculation. There is no evidence to support it.

Realistically an abductor would have to strike early in the morning, so as to prevent SM from using her phone, then stage the bike. But as a theory, it makes zero sense.

ETA - really wonder what on earth the defence case will be.

 

[FromGermany1]

Like this one, it's a good one:

May 6, 2020 – 14:43 – From Barry to Suzanne: “I’m sorry if things went the way they did. I have a problem dealing with the way you accused me of hiding checks. If you think I’m as terrible of a person to hide our accounts and have ones you don’t know about you don’t know me.
All I do is for you and the girls. All. When I'm dead, which won't be long, you guys will be taken care of. Please stop being angry. If I can control my hurt heart I think I can overcome your distant unlovingness toward me. Honey, I swear it's the hardest thing I've had to do. I love you I always will.”

bbm
..... and after this message (!!) SM and BM made a peaceful evening walk to the dumpster in the vicinity, where they met by chance a cleaning lady, who threw away her stuff??? I can't imagine it. One of his many lies certainly.
Btw: What does BM mean, when he said "the hardest thing I've had to do"??

 

[Scootie98]

BBM

Barry Morphew is no fool. Hunting is his life. MOO is, he knew all too well that leaving any biological evidence was not in his calculations.

How far in advance...I don't know.

BM like any serious hunter it would be far safer and more enjoyable if he was in good health and physical condition ahead of time.

Serious hunters are into bicycling, swimming, or weight lifting because it helps them prepare; which the gym is something we know BM did many times per week.

Besides physical conditioning, hunting demands far more logistical planning than almost anywhere else. One must be self-reliant, capable of remaining in the field longer than expected under difficult circumstances. This is something BM knew all too well.

Prohunter...anger...jealousy...$$$..
...tranq darts...unconsciousness...moving the body off the property...then there would be no recovered biological evidence.

I am under the impression that not only was Suzanne's DNA on Barry, but Barry knew it. That is why he took multiple showers, and changed clothes multiple times in Broomfield...in addition to jettisoning incriminating articles. The scratch marks alone suggest that there was a tussle or confrontation to some degree prior to Suzanne going dark forever.

 

[Scootie98]

This...is...what...ima...talken...about!!
I went to look for this info and @MassGuy already had it done! Bam!

SM wasn't standing for it anymore. Even to where Barry started calling her "ballsy"!

If you have ever had a real life experience with someone putting a gun to their head and threatening to pull the trigger....and it has happened in my close family by a former acquaintance....it is extremely traumatic for people who witness the act itself....for a variety of reasons....will the person turn the gun on me before himself? is there any way to stop it? can i take the gun from that person? How will this relationship possibly be repaired? The manipulation is so extreme...depending on the person's stability and calculations....it is meant to terrify, not just intimidate. How BM possibly thought that the scars this act would leave could heal is incomprehensible....OTOH, he is irrational beyond reason...so he had no trouble getting over it.

 

[DizzyB]

I am under the impression that not only was Suzanne's DNA on Barry, but Barry knew it. That is why he took multiple showers, and changed clothes multiple times in Broomfield...in addition to jettisoning incriminating articles. The scratch marks alone suggest that there was a tussle or confrontation to some degree prior to Suzanne going dark forever.

I would like to know Barry’s everyday wardrobe habits. He sure had a lot of costume changes on Mother’s Day. Was that common for him? I also assume that LE checked if every single one of those shirts was in his truck when he returned from Broomfield. If not, why?

 

[Scootie98]

I would like to know Barry’s everyday wardrobe habits. He sure had a lot of costume changes on Mother’s Day. Was that common for him? I also assume that LE checked if every single one of those shirts was in his truck when he returned from Broomfield. If not, why?

I want to know something else too....Did Barry switch to long sleeve before being questioned by LE?