Found Deceased CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, Chaffee County, 10 May 2020 #59 *ARREST*

[TKG]

Lauren’s report states, “BM obtained a weapon illegally” that suggests to me there is evidence he bought or traded and obtained the weapon illegally or he could have purchase a stolen weapon. JMHO that someone came forward with this information.

Wow, that is great insight. I'd never thought of that!

 

[Woodberry]

If you listened to all the theories that BM has thrown out regarding what could have happened to Suzanne “on a bike ride,” you’d be lead to believe that riding a bike is a very dangerous thing to do.

 

[LietKynes]

.Chaffee County announces new charges against Barry Morphew | FOX21 News Colorado
Just rewatched LS' audio recording of Barry repeating that he's "...Not gonna go on camera..." (his words) .
Never mind about his wife missing.
He sounds agitated to the point where his voice breaks with rage.
Unbelievable.
He appears to direct most of his anger towards LE for focusing on him !

Newsflash, Barry : That's their job. To secure justice for those who have been forever silenced.
And they're not going away.
So sit tight, prepare to wait, and get comfy.
Or not.

I'm curious if his newly-appointed legal counsel will encourage him to fess up and take a plea deal in exchange for Suzanne's remains ?
Esp. after both women have had a look at the AA ?

Imagine the evidence LE have on him to include 'tampering with a deceased human body' ?
This might only indicate she was moved from the site of the murder.
And not necessarily the added and horrifying disrespect of dismembering.
As was suggested by a very wise and experienced sleuther !
It'd also mean LE know where the killing occurred.
Imo.

 

[LietKynes]

Thank you for explaining. I am on the same page with you. I too, have been here since the beginning.

My comment was to the poster that said she attended meetings for help and that she disappeared on a bike ride. <modsnip>

Yes, I understood you were asking another poster for the link.

I'd like to add that LE themselves have never said there was a bike ride, and they did not put out the flyer that depicted Suzanne with a bike helmet and biking clothes.
So we can reasonably assume they've debunked it.
Not much more to say about it , and even the thread title has changed.

I've been impressed with LE's silence about many of the major factors in this case and I am confident they have the right perp in custody; and that they have the evidence that will most likely ensure he dies in prison.

And Suzanne's loved one will have a small measure of comfort in knowing he will never kill another person.
I am not much of a believer in closure, as the pain will remain and some days will be very hard for all of them.
But they deserve answers.
Imo.

 

[Puzzles]

I wholeheartedly agree, and it was not my intention to imply otherwise. I believe that LE may have ascertained if Suzanne were a participate in the course of the investigation. Revealing such information would violate the confidentiality and principles on which such groups are based.

Oh @Woodberry, I didn't for a minute think you implied LE should reveal such information.

I was feeling sad that if she did attend DV support groups, imagining how she'd perhaps think about what to wear, what to tell BM about where she was going, maybe plan what to say or withhold at the meeting, and trust those participants there with her wouldn't indulge in small-town gossip.

I was feeling sad about how conversations she'd had – by phone, text or in person – which Suzanne must have believed were confidential, have been, and are being, and will be examined, made public, and torn apart in an attempt to prove or disprove what may or may not have happened to her.

My post was nothing to do with yours, at all. But it was your post that triggered memories, and the feeling of safety to be part of a group all struggling with life's circumstances, with different details about those circumstances, yet a strong sense of us being of the same tribe, and committed to holding our comrades' secrets sacred, and loving each other towards healing.

May Suzanne's faith in the Holy have wrapped her in its embrace at the time of her suffering, and at the moment of her death. And now.

 

[TKG]

Yes, I understood you were asking another poster for the link.

I'd like to add that LE themselves have never said there was a bike ride, and they did not put out the flyer that depicted Suzanne with a bike helmet and biking clothes.
So we can reasonably assume they've debunked it.
Not much more to say about it , and even the thread title has changed.

I've been impressed with LE's silence about many of the major factors in this case and I am confident they have the right perp in custody; and that they have the evidence that will most likely ensure he dies in prison.

And Suzanne's loved one will have a small measure of comfort in knowing he will never kill another person.
I am not much of a believer in closure, as the pain will remain and some days will be very hard for all of them.
But they deserve answers.
Imo.

Great, we are totally in agreement!

 

[charminglane]

Yes, I understood you were asking another poster for the link.

I'd like to add that LE themselves have never said there was a bike ride, and they did not put out the flyer that depicted Suzanne with a bike helmet and biking clothes.
So we can reasonably assume they've debunked it.
Not much more to say about it , and even the thread title has changed.

I've been impressed with LE's silence about many of the major factors in this case and I am confident they have the right perp in custody; and that they have the evidence that will most likely ensure he dies in prison.

And Suzanne's loved one will have a small measure of comfort in knowing he will never kill another person.
I am not much of a believer in closure, as the pain will remain and some days will be very hard for all of them.
But they deserve answers.
Imo.

"And if one person got saved from this, she would think it was worth it."

 

[LietKynes]

"And if one person got saved from this, she would think it was worth it."

Wasn't that just the oddest thing for him to say ?

As in; What the ....?
NO ONE ever thinks it's 'worth it' to be murdered, fgs !
A two time cancer survivor speaks 'fighter' to me.
Suzanne fought to live.

Maybe if Barry had just divorced Suzanne may have found a loving man who appreciated and cherished her ?
There might be grandbabies she'll never meet !
Her loved ones will not get to hear her voice or feel a hug.
Gah !

MOO.

 

[al66pine]

Lauren's Report. Firearm Offense?

Lauren’s report states, “BM obtained a weapon illegally”...

@Hatch bbm sbm Thanks for your post. Not directing this at you, just jumping off re Lauren's report/phrasing, if she was referring to Count 4 of “Complaint and Information” which included w several other charges filed a week or two ago. Sounds to me like there may be some misunderstanding. Offense relates to possession of "short rifle" (not sawed-off shotgun, not shotgun).

CO. statute defines “short rifle” as firearm by barrel length & overall length.* CO classifies “short rifle” as a “dangerous weapon”** (not an “illegal weapon”).
Iiuc it does not matter how the accused comes into possession of it. Beg, borrow or steal it. Find on side of road & keep it. Buy, trade, receive as a gift. If the accused “knowingly possesses” *** it, it is a felony.

But, but, but, there is an important point for someone accused of this offense:
If charged w possession, it is an affirmative defense if person has a "valid permit and license for it."****

Is it possible BM did have a valid permit and license for the short rifle? If so, did he have valid license and permit at relevant dates specified in the information, May 9, 2020 and March 4, 2021 period? IDK.

Welcoming comment, clarification, correction, esp’ly from our legal professionals.
______________________________
CO statute. CO. RS Title 18. Criminal Code
* 18-12-101. (1)(a) (1)(h) “Short rifle” means a rifle having a barrel less than sixteen inches long or an overall length of less than twenty-six inches. bbm
**(1) ”As used in this section, the term “dangerous weapon” means a firearm silencer, machine gun, short shotgun, short rifle, or ballistic knife.” bbm
18-12-102. Possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon--affirmative defense—definition
Colorado Revised Statutes Title 18. Criminal Code § 18-12-101 | FindLaw
*** 18-12-102. "(3) A person who knowingly possesses a dangerous weapon commits a class 5 felony...." bbm
**** 18-12-102. (1) “(5) ...an affirmative defense,...that the person so accused .... has a valid permit and license for possession of such weapon.” bbm
^ Colorado Revised Statutes Title 18. Criminal Code § 18-12-101 | FindLaw et seq.

"COUNT 4-POSSESSION OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON (F5) Between and including May 9, 2020 and March 4, 2021, Barry Lee Morphew unlawfully, feloniously, and knowingly possessed a dangerous weapon, namely: short rifle; in violation of section 18-12-102(3), C.R.S." bbm
^https://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court_Probation/11th_Judicial_District/Chaffee/cases of interest/21CR78/21CR78 Morphew Complaint.pdf

 

[Woodberry]

If you listened to all the theories that BM has thrown out regarding what could have happened to Suzanne “on a bike ride,” you’d be lead to believe that riding a bike is a very dangerous thing to do.

Oh @Woodberry, I didn't for a minute think you implied LE should reveal such information.

I was feeling sad that if she did attend DV support groups, imagining how she'd perhaps think about what to wear, what to tell BM about where she was going, maybe plan what to say or withhold at the meeting, and trust those participants there with her wouldn't indulge in small-town gossip.

I was feeling sad about how conversations she'd had – by phone, text or in person – which Suzanne must have believed were confidential, have been, and are being, and will be examined, made public, and torn apart in an attempt to prove or disprove what may or may not have happened to her.

My post was nothing to do with yours, at all. But it was your post that triggered memories, and the feeling of safety to be part of a group all struggling with life's circumstances, with different details about those circumstances, yet a strong sense of us being of the same tribe, and committed to holding our comrades' secrets sacred, and loving each other towards healing.

May Suzanne's faith in the Holy have wrapped her in its embrace at the time of her suffering, and at the moment of her death. And now.

Regardless of what capacity Suzanne might have been involved with a DV program, if she was, I would imagine she would have brought the light which so many have spoke of. Suzanne’s kind and gentle nature would have put others at ease and made them feel comforted in any group she participated in.

It makes me sad as well to imagine her as you described. Those who knew her, and especially those who knew her well, were very blessed to have Suzanne in their lives.

Having Suzanne in his life was the best thing that every happened to Barry, yet he never realized that. MOO

 

[Ssschu]

I agree. It was like a "kildeer" moment. Those birds pretend they have broken wings, flop around on the ground, and make continuous noise to divert predator's attention away from their eggs and their young.

It'd be interesting to know where the group was headed next or what the group was talking about immediately before this happened.

YES!! That's a great analogy.

 

[SouthAussie]

Lauren's Report. Firearm Offense?
@Hatch bbm sbm Thanks for your post. Not directing this at you, just jumping off re Lauren's report/phrasing, if she was referring to Count 4 of “Complaint and Information” which included w several other charges filed a week or two ago. Sounds to me like there may be some misunderstanding. Offense relates to possession of "short rifle" (not sawed-off shotgun, not shotgun).

CO. statute defines “short rifle” as firearm by barrel length & overall length.* CO classifies “short rifle” as a “dangerous weapon”** (not an “illegal weapon”).
Iiuc it does not matter how the accused comes into possession of it. Beg, borrow or steal it. Find on side of road & keep it. Buy, trade, receive as a gift. If the accused “knowingly possesses” *** it, it is a felony.

But, but, but, there is an important point for someone accused of this offense:
If charged w possession, it is an affirmative defense if person has a "valid permit and license for it."****

Is it possible BM did have a valid permit and license for the short rifle? If so, did he have valid license and permit at relevant dates specified in the information, May 9, 2020 and March 4, 2021 period? IDK.

Welcoming comment, clarification, correction, esp’ly from our legal professionals.
______________________________
CO statute. CO. RS Title 18. Criminal Code
* 18-12-101. (1)(a) (1)(h) “Short rifle” means a rifle having a barrel less than sixteen inches long or an overall length of less than twenty-six inches. bbm
**(1) ”As used in this section, the term “dangerous weapon” means a firearm silencer, machine gun, short shotgun, short rifle, or ballistic knife.” bbm
18-12-102. Possessing a dangerous or illegal weapon--affirmative defense—definition
Colorado Revised Statutes Title 18. Criminal Code § 18-12-101 | FindLaw
*** 18-12-102. "(3) A person who knowingly possesses a dangerous weapon commits a class 5 felony...." bbm
**** 18-12-102. (1) “(5) ...an affirmative defense,...that the person so accused .... has a valid permit and license for possession of such weapon.” bbm
^ Colorado Revised Statutes Title 18. Criminal Code § 18-12-101 | FindLaw et seq.

"COUNT 4-POSSESSION OF A DANGEROUS WEAPON (F5) Between and including May 9, 2020 and March 4, 2021, Barry Lee Morphew unlawfully, feloniously, and knowingly possessed a dangerous weapon, namely: short rifle; in violation of section 18-12-102(3), C.R.S." bbm
^https://www.courts.state.co.us/userfiles/file/Court_Probation/11th_Judicial_District/Chaffee/cases of interest/21CR78/21CR78 Morphew Complaint.pdf

I don't think he could have had a valid permit and license for the gun.
Because the complaint says that he unlawfully, feloniously (and knowingly) possessed the weapon.

Surely they would have a record of the permits and licenses in some kind of registery in Colorado.
And surely they would have checked that registery before they charged him (especially if he said that he had a permit/license for it).

 

[al66pine]

License & Permit for Short rifle?

I don't think he could have had a valid permit and license for the gun. Because the complaint says that he unlawfully, feloniously (and knowingly) possessed the weapon.
Surely they would have a record of the permits and licenses in some kind of registery in Colorado.And surely they would have checked that registery before they charged him (especially if he said that he had a permit/license for it).

@SouthAussie Thanks for your post.
Yes, yes, yes. I absolutely agree w you. Not something prosecutor's team would likely have overlooked. Snowballs chance in hell.
Is it possible BM had permit & license? In theory. LOL.

 

[Error505]

EBM delete double post

I must admit, this interview was much more genuine and unscripted. I appreciated him speaking candidly while preserving what he needed to for the integrity if the investigation. I also appreciate his "I don't know" answers for those which he had none.

One takeaway for me was that SM was a wonderful, giving and genuine soul. She rallied behind causes she believed in. Church, missions, helping underserved and domestic violence groups. I am sorry I never knew her outside of this travesty.

I hope as this journey continues her girls and family find peace and comfort. That they know just how much Suzanne brought to this world. #shinebrightforsuzanne

Why would she be passionate about something like DV unless she knew how it could be helpful to those in need?

Often those in DV situations struggle to find ways out. The opportunities become more and more scarce as the controlling partner limits their exposure to outsiders. Saying you were "volunteering" is far less threatening than "attending".

Just my .02 cents! JMO MOO

Thank you. A Beautiful summary, @TKG So many of us wished we had known Suzanne. The world would be a better place with more like her. The monster who ended her life needs to meet justice!

 

[SouthAussie]

License & Permit for Short rifle?
@SouthAussie Thanks for your post.
Yes, yes, yes. I absolutely agree w you. Not something prosecutor's team would likely have overlooked. Snowballs chance in hell.
Is it possible BM had permit & license? In theory. LOL.

Well, in theory he didn't need a permit & license, because he seems to think he is above the law.

 

[BeckyF]

I disagree (see bolded). Unless he could present very good evidence of prejudice or misconduct by the appointed public defender (and it would have to be aggregious), the private counsel was chosen by BM and is being paid for by him. I am not a lawyer but it is explained very well here:

Before You Fire Your Court-Appointed Lawyer

If the citizens of Chaffee County are paying for his private counsel, that would be a major hornswoggle, as we say here in Texas.

I agree that the PD did not choose Barry’s new attorneys. If they did do that, why wouldn’t all individuals charged with murder be appointed 2 experienced criminal defense attorneys paid for by the state? It wouldn’t seem fair to me. jmo

 

[NuttMegg]

In the interview room last night, TO described a time when both he and Suzanne were in the kitchen, and breaking up over something funny. Sounds like it was hilarious and rolicking. TO mentioned that BM stuck his head in the door, and that SM completely changed in demeanor. I don't remember the exact words, but the image was as though she froze up, losing any sense of fun. Hard to explain, but I have seen this so many times.

The "boss" of the relationship making sure that his partner is not enjoying herself on her own, without his permission.

 

[jakat]

BBM:The next day was the day she disappeared on her bike.

The next day she was already dead after being murdered by the inmate who now resides in a cage, and who has been charged with first degree murder.

JMO

 

[StarrDetective]

So we have heard that Barry is a true crime follower so he probably picked up a few tips or tricks along the way. What if the "short rifle" had its barrel shortened after it was used in a crime? We always here about murderers getting caught because LE found a bullet and the markings on it match the lands and grooves created by a gun they have. Could Barry have shot Suzanne and then sawed off the barrel so there was no way to compare bullets to that gun? This is the only way I can make the charges fit. It covers all the known charges.

Count 1 - murder
It makes sense being under the murder charge as the weapon used.

Count 2 - Tampering with a deceased human body
She hasn't been found, so he hid her after killing her (potentially) with the short rifle.

Count 3 - Tampering with physical evidence
Saws off the barrel of the rifle, making it into an illegal short rifle, which if its the murder weapon, he just tampered with that physical evidence.

Count 4 - Possession of a dangerous weapon
My guess is that this gun was previously legal and registered.. But, After using the gun, tampers with the barrel making it illegal to possess and then when asked about the gun, he claims it was stolen. I am guessing that a search warrant was served somewhere on March 4th, 2021 and the gun was found. So its no longer in Barry's possession as of that date. Police must believe its the murder weapon, so the offense of possessing an illegal gun would have started the day SM is believed to have died when he sawed off the barrel and March 4th could be the day the gun was located and removed from Barry's possession. Which could lead to count 5.

Count 5 - Influence a public servant (by deceit)
Hiding the gun, lying about the gun, claiming the gun was stolen... every lie he told to LE about anything.

Does this make sense? Lol

Jmo
Everything i wrote is hypothetical NOT fact, but based on known facts.

i like this theory!!

 

[StarrDetective]

In the interview room last night, TO described a time when both he and Suzanne were in the kitchen, and breaking up over something funny. Sounds like it was hilarious and rolicking. TO mentioned that BM stuck his head in the door, and that SM completely changed in demeanor. I don't remember the exact words, but the image was as though she froze up, losing any sense of fun. Hard to explain, but I have seen this so many times.

The "boss" of the relationship making sure that his partner is not enjoying herself on her own, without his permission.

who is TO?