Found Deceased CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, Chaffee County, 10 May 2020 #62 *ARREST*

[Skigh]

We had this debate recently here for some UK cases (all accused found guilty in these cases, eg Libby Squire, Lindsey Birbeck).

Without independent witnesses, it's very difficult to remove all reasonable doubt and comes down to jury interpretation IMO.

Totally agree. We are also currently following another no body case in England,Bernadette Walker where the step father is accused of murder and the mother accused of perverting the cause of justice.

So far data from mobile phones and car tracking have been very revealing and potentially incriminating.

 

[Scootie98]

I will try not to go too far down this road because things frequently run off the rails with this topic-Barry was raised a Baptist. Salvation is a very important core principle. Barry can even believe that if he murdered Suzanne, he can ask for forgiveness and maintain his relationship with God.

Barry is gaslighting himself with "justification".

 

[Trackergd]

After the defense has reviewed the evidence, I'm waiting to see if there is a last minute plea deal with the stipulation that the AA never sees the light of day.

 

[SouthAussie]

After the defense has reviewed the evidence, I'm waiting to see if there is a last minute plea deal with the stipulation that the AA never sees the light of day.

Yep. "Okay I admit, I accidently killed my wife. I will take 10 years and still be out in time to get to know my future grandkids. My children will understand that it was purely an accident."

It wouldn't surprise me ... if the evidence is virtually impossible to overcome.

The only thing that might trip BM up with this is if a plea deal is contingent on showing where Suzanne is. And if Suzanne's remains clearly show this wasn't an accident.
But after all this time, who knows what cause of death would be determined. I know with Karen Ristevski they were not able to determine how she died after 10 months of laying in a forest, where she was dumped.

 

[Goldenseal]

Yep. "Okay I admit, I accidently killed my wife. I will take 10 years and still be out in time to get to know my future grandkids. My children will understand that it was purely an accident."

It wouldn't surprise me ... if the evidence is virtually impossible to overcome.

The only thing that might trip BM up with this is if a plea deal is contingent on showing where Suzanne is. And if Suzanne's remains clearly show this wasn't an accident.
But after all this time, who knows what the remains would show. I know with Karen Ristevski, they were not able to determine how she died after 10 months of laying out in bushland, where she was dumped.

IMO, the only way BM could have saved himself with the "it was an accident" defense was if he had called the cops on May 9, had them deal with the body as it lay in the house, and confess right there and then that he had slapped her and she hit her head on the fireplace or something. (This would only work if the wound fit with the story, of course.)

BM strikes me as a (1) panicky type, (2) a person who seethed inside ("I wish she was dead!") after SM survived cancer again, and when he actually did hit/kill her in a rage, he surprised himself and panicked. However, to claim it was an accident after a whole year of him acting like a petulant, thoughtless narcissist -- eh, he'll never get away with that. He would have to tell them where the body is, at least. But it is frankly way too late to claim it was an accident. BM has shown himself to be impulsive, domineering, and narcissistic; really, the only thing he seems to excel at is hiding a body. He can hardly expect a jury to now believe that it was all an accident and he's so, so sorry.

 

[SouthAussie]

IMO, the only way BM could have saved himself with the "it was an accident" defense was if he had called the cops on May 9, had them deal with the body as it lay in the house, and confess right there and then that he had slapped her and she hit her head on the fireplace or something. (This would only work if the wound fit with the story, of course.)

BM strikes me as a (1) panicky type, (2) a person who seethed inside ("I wish she was dead!") after SM survived cancer again, and when he actually did hit/kill her in a rage, he surprised himself and panicked. However, to claim it was an accident after a whole year of him acting like a petulant, thoughtless narcissist -- eh, he'll never get away with that. He would have to tell them where the body is, at least. But it is frankly way too late to claim it was an accident. BM has shown himself to be impulsive, domineering, and narcissistic; really, the only thing he seems to excel at is hiding a body. He can hardly expect a jury to now believe that it was all an accident and he's so, so sorry.

The thing is, he doesn't have to convince a jury that it was an accident ... if he negotiates a plea deal. Which he may not even try to do, and/or which the prosecution would never accept.
But, as I said, it wouldn't surprise me.

Essentially all that has to happen (and I am not trying to diminish the importance of justice for Suzanne) is for the prosecution and defense/BM to agree on terms, and for a judge to put the seal on it.

They consider the cost of a lengthy trial, the chances of a successful prosecution, the chances of a successful acquittal, if the perp is a previous violent offender ... all kinds of factors.

Maybe no-one else has followed a case where the perp claimed innocence for 3 years, then suddenly pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.
But I have. It is super disappointing, and it sometimes happens.

 

[MrsWatson]

MOO:

If any plea deal talk occurs, I think it will be on the part of the DA. As in, we have this evidence, tell us where Suzanne is and we will take it into consideration, maybe not LWOP. I don't think a plea will be suggested by the defense. I think BM is going to ride this all the way down. He is innocent, knows nothing. Can't explain evidence, but doesn't make him a murderer. I think that is going to be his mantra.

I agree that claiming it was an accident and he panicked isn't going to work. That ship sailed long ago and left BM on the dock.

 

[jondaba]

Dolly Parton:

Revivals and camp meetings went for weeks
Folks came from all around to hear him preach
Daddy said if one is saved it's worth it all
But the aisles were always filled at altar calls
Yes, Daddy was an old time preacher man

 

[windrower]

And more important than she is deceased it must be AND Barry did it and no one else could have beyond a reasonable doubt. He could have done or he might of done it is not enough.

We had this debate recently here for some UK cases (all accused found guilty in these cases, eg Libby Squire, Lindsey Birbeck).

Without independent witnesses, it's very difficult to remove all reasonable doubt and comes down to jury interpretation IMO.

IMO, “beyond a reasonable doubt” is not “beyond any doubt.”

I think LE has enough direct evidence, indirect evidence, and hard evidence, soft evidence, inferred evidence (my terminologies), etc., to make their case.

What category of evidence does BM’s year of inaction fall under? IMO, his total lack of concern for his missing wife was second to none.

 

[DizzyB]

Are we going to find out anything new before the AA is released?

 

[EggSalad]

Are we going to find out anything new before the AA is released?

IMO, not via the legal system.

I think LS had a part 2 of her JP interview. I’m looking forward to that plus anything else LS is able to learn and share in the next 2 months.

 

[MsBetsy]

IMO, “beyond a reasonable doubt” is not “beyond any doubt.”

I think LE has enough direct evidence, indirect evidence, and hard evidence, soft evidence, inferred evidence (my terminologies), etc., to make their case.

What category of evidence does BM’s year of inaction fall under? IMO, his total lack of concern for his missing wife was second to none.

I think the problem is, it only takes one juror to strongly doubt that the evidence proves the defendant is guilty. As far as the lack of concern for Suzanne, witnesses who helped search with him can testify to the amount of searching he did and his concern for her. After all, some of his closest friends were convinced he was innocent. We don't know how many still support him and are willing to testify for the defense.

 

[girlhasnoname]

Are we going to find out anything new before the AA is released?

I honestly don't think so. This case information was locked up tighter than --------------- <fill in the blank>.

 

[girlhasnoname]

I think the problem is, it only takes one juror to strongly doubt that the evidence proves the defendant is guilty. As far as the lack of concern for Suzanne, witnesses who helped search with him can testify to the amount of searching he did and his concern for her. After all, some of his closest friends were convinced he was innocent. We don't know how many still support him and are willing to testify for the defense.

Agreed, but I still think BM will have a hard time overcoming his lack of genuine support in the search for his loving wife, ie no public appeals, minus his 30 sec taped plea that was disastrous IMO, not showing up at vigils, not speaking on record or camera. Then the speedy attempt to sell assets and move on.

Doesn't seem like the actions of a truly grieving spouse to me and I wonder if his 'friends' have had a change of heart after hearing his arrest charges?

JMO

 

[HongKongPhooey]

IMO, “beyond a reasonable doubt” is not “beyond any doubt.”

Absolutely agree, that's the point I was aiming to make myself.

 

[kshultz06082]

Thank you. Being the only son he probably felt it was expected for him to be successful. I'm sure for a long time he considered Suzanne one of his successes? His flings were just ego boosts and he had no intention of leaving her until the money ran out.

I highly recommend watching the video CM did on his YouTube channel, The Interview room, about how BM was raised. It explains alot! I will edit with the link in just a moment. Hope it helps.

EDIT:

 

[Goldenseal]

The thing is, he doesn't have to convince a jury that it was an accident ... if he negotiates a plea deal. Which he may not even try to do, and/or which the prosecution would never accept.
But, as I said, it wouldn't surprise me.

Essentially all that has to happen (and I am not trying to diminish the importance of justice for Suzanne) is for the prosecution and defense/BM to agree on terms, and for a judge to put the seal on it.

They consider the cost of a lengthy trial, the chances of a successful prosecution, the chances of a successful acquittal, if the perp is a previous violent offender ... all kinds of factors.

Maybe no-one else has followed a case where the perp claimed innocence for 3 years, then suddenly pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of manslaughter.
But I have. It is super disappointing, and it sometimes happens.

That's interesting -- and scary. I would be perturbed if BM got away with something like this.

 

[Trackergd]

I'm going to swim against the tide here. While somewhat "iffy", I think he may go with Assisted Suicide. Claim that SM's quality of life was poor, she asked him to help her go out on her own terms, they sent the kids away so they would not see the end, she told him to tell everyone she was missing so he would not have to explain helping with the suicide and he disposed of the remains and concocted the Bike/Mountain Lion/Abduction theories and staged the bike scene so he would not have to go to jail for helping. Plead down to manslaughter 18-3-04 1.b.

 

[DizzyB]

I'm going to swim against the tide here. While somewhat "iffy", I think he may go with Assisted Suicide. Claim that SM's quality of life was poor, she asked him to help her go out on her own terms, they sent the kids away so they would not see the end, she told him to tell everyone she was missing so he would not have to explain helping with the suicide and he disposed of the remains and concocted the Bike/Mountain Lion/Abduction theories and staged the bike scene so he would not have to go to jail for helping. Plead down to manslaughter 18-3-04 1.b.

especially with Barry’s beliefs about salvation. Suicide is a mortal sin, but murder, if one repents, is A OK.

 

[Ontario Mom]

especially with Barry’s beliefs about salvation. Suicide is a mortal sin, but murder, if one repents, is A OK.

I don't want to cross TOS by bringing religion into this but what you claim is not at all Christian doctrine. I have no idea if BM believes this, but if he does, he's bought into some baloney teaching, that's for sure.