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.