Found Deceased CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, did not return from bike ride, Chaffee County, 10 May 2020 #19

[OldCop]

I like your idea better than a set time period, actually. It would definitely give the family more opportunities to see the case file(s) than having to wait 50, 25, etc. years.

One caveat -- and I preface this by noting that Indiana law has been molded by a strong Jacksonian Democracy spirit -- is that I
would want the reviewer or panel to be (a) separate from the agency that is investigating the case and (b) be an officeholder directly elected by county citizens. Obviously, an internal reviewer/panel could be subject to internal pressure by the agency to not release the file(s). Having a directly elected officeholder (i.e. circuit court judge) further inoculates the reviewer from internal pressure while -- at the same time -- makes him/her responsive to voters in a situation where the public really wants the file(s) released.

I agree that the reviewer should not be from a law enforcement agency for the exact reasons you stated.
However, your last sentence, RBBM, “makes him/her responsive to voters in a situation where the public really wants the file(s) released,” makes me pause a bit. I think that whoever appeals for the files should have a “compelling reason” to see them. This would allow a family member of a victim greater latitude rather than a lookie loo who is just plain nosey. For this reason, I also think there should be a set minimum of years before a person could plea for the file realease. Some crimes are solved quickly while others drag on for years, but there could be very active investigations taking place. We need to be fair to the public, but we also need to give LE time to do their jobs.

 

[lamlawindy]

I saw that BM applied for guardianship to close on a home. Does anyone have more information on that? I'm just curious about the timing on the listing. During covid? It's not the most popular time for selling

Yes, we know from the guardianship petition that (1) there was already a signed contract to sell the property and (2) if closing did not occur, the Morphews would be in breach of contract. The closing had to occur, and a guardianship was the only vehicle available in Indiana law to ensure that it could legally happen.

 

[kay74]

I believe she was attacked, her bike thrown down, put in a vehicle and driven out of state. If she was killed and dumped somewhere, I don't know if she will ever be found as sad as that is. I also believe this person was a drifter. JMO

 

[lamlawindy]

I agree that the reviewer should not be from a law enforcement agency for the exact reasons you stated.
However, your last sentence, RBBM, “makes him/her responsive to voters in a situation where the public really wants the file(s) released,” makes me pause a bit. I think that whoever appeals for the files should have a “compelling reason” to see them. This would allow a family member of a victim greater latitude rather than a lookie loo who is just plain nosey. For this reason, I also think there should be a set minimum of years before a person could plea for the file realease. Some crimes are solved quickly while others drag on for years, but there could be very active investigations taking place. We need to be fair to the public, but we also need to give LE time to do their jobs.

You're correct, and the decision necessarily will be a balancing test between investigatory needs and the desires of family members. Whether the general public can request the file(s) would be a legislative decision. Generally, I favor such disclosure because taxpayer resources fund a search & investigation. However, I can certainly understand the reasonableness of wanting to keep details of a loved one's fate private.

 

[Ontario Mom]

I believe she was attacked, her bike thrown down, put in a vehicle and driven out of state. If she was killed and dumped somewhere, I don't know if she will ever be found as sad as that is. I also believe this person was a drifter. JMO

Entirely possible.
I'm curious though, in your opinion, what was the motive, or why do you suspect a drifter, or taken out of state?

 

[DizzyB]

The farm land in question is being farmed at this time, and is a conventional farming operation. A poster earlier in this thread visited and reported on the farming on either side of the lane leading to the house they sold. That's the land in question.
Many farmers in Indiana are contemplating unconventional agriculture, considering it to be the wave of the future. My impression is that they are mostly young farmers of the next generation, more in the twenty-five to forty age group. IMO

and some of those farmers might be related to individuals!

 

[HongKongPhooey]

I believe she was attacked, her bike thrown down, put in a vehicle and driven out of state. If she was killed and dumped somewhere, I don't know if she will ever be found as sad as that is. I also believe this person was a drifter. JMO

I'm English and we don't really use the term drifter much. The only drifter I know of is Jack Reacher ! So apologies in advance for the questions...

Would they normally have a vehicle? Would they sleep in that, or use motels? What do they live on for money? Would they seek casual work? What do they eat?

Just thinking, these kind of points could lead us to a potential suspect in the area.

 

[Dave F.]

I'm English and we don't really use the term drifter much. The only drifter I know of is Jack Reacher ! So apologies in advance for the questions...

Would they normally have a vehicle? Would they sleep in that, or use motels? What do they live on for money? Would they seek casual work? What do they eat?

Just thinking, these kind of points could lead us to a potential suspect in the area.

I'll try to provide some basic answers to very legitimate questions about "drifters":

(1) Would they normally have a vehicle?
Hard to answer. Some would, most wouldn't. Riding empty boxcars in freight trains is common, and so is hitchhiking, which nowadays is more begging for rides at truck stops and fuel stations close to Interstate highways.

(2)What do they live on for money?
Many are seasonal or occasional workers. Particularly in the western United States, there is a huge demand for short term, temporary labor. Some have Social Security Disability or Workmen's Comp income. Drifters also can stand on a busy street corner with a cardboard sign asking for money, and pick up a pretty fair sum in an afternoon.

(3) What do they eat? There several charities that operate free dining facilities. Also, a can of baked beans, a hearty bottled liquid like Boost or Ensure, and a fruit or vegetable can be purchased for a five dollar bill, with some change back; providing a nourishing meal. The beans can be heated on a very small fire.

"Drifters" are not necessarily homeless. Most are fairly honest, but there are certainly a high percentage of people with mental difficulties among the "drifter class". There are also some pretty bad criminals, perhaps just a reflection of society as a whole.
There is currently a man in the Montana state prison for life who barely subsisted in his east coast location through the winter, and took off walking to tour the west ever spring.......within a short distance from home, he would begin burglaries, carjackings, murder and mayhem. Three blocks from my house in Billings, Montana, he approached a retired sheriff in his eighties who was picking up his mail from his post office box on Sunday afternoon, forced him to drive at knife point to an empty schoolyard, killed him and drove calmly away. He stated after being arrested that his purpose was that he thought the old man's car would be a nice ride back to the East Coast. The state of Kansas has not yet prosecuted him for the murder of a Virginia woman that he abducted as she drove to her apartment complex's mailbox stands. He abandoned her car in Wyoming, on his way to Montana. JMO

Link added later by me:
Man who killed 81-year-old former Big Horn County sheriff in Billings gets life

 

[TxGidget]

WANTED: Man suspected of attacking a woman on a Colorado trail
Colorado women attacked....

 

[Madeleine74]

I believe she was attacked, her bike thrown down, put in a vehicle and driven out of state. If she was killed and dumped somewhere, I don't know if she will ever be found as sad as that is. I also believe this person was a drifter. JMO

If so, how did said drifter manage to obliterate SM's scent that would allow search dogs to pick up a beginning trail or alert on the place where she was attacked? Where are the drag marks, evidence of a struggle or attack, blood, scent, anything?

IMO

 

[festina lente]

This case intrigues me: Here we have a couple married 25+ years and no dirty laundry aired, that we know of, or its being held back.I think SM recovering from two bouts of cancer was at a different place spiritually.I also think two girls, college ready, had a big impact on her decision making(empty nest). I believe it was time for her to move on, and go solo.
I have a feeling SM told BM and his ego was put in checkmate, and I think we know the rest of the story.

moo

 

[HongKongPhooey]

I'll try to provide some basic answers to very legitimate questions about "drifters":

(1) Would they normally have a vehicle?
Hard to answer. Some would, most wouldn't. Riding empty boxcars in freight trains is common, and so is hitchhiking, which nowadays is more begging for rides at truck stops and fuel stations close to Interstate highways.

(2)What do they live on for money?
Many are seasonal or occasional workers. Particularly in the western United States, there is a huge demand for short term, temporary labor. Some have Social Security Disability or Workmen's Comp income. Drifters also can stand on a busy street corner with a cardboard sign asking for money, and pick up a pretty fair sum in an afternoon.

(3) What do they eat? There several charities that operate free dining facilities. Also, a can of baked beans, a hearty bottled liquid like Boost or Ensure, and a fruit or vegetable can be purchased for a five dollar bill, with some change back; providing a nourishing meal. The beans can be heated on a very small fire.

"Drifters" are not necessarily homeless. Most are fairly honest, but there are certainly a high percentage of people with mental difficulties among the "drifter class". There are also some pretty bad criminals, perhaps just a reflection of society as a whole.
There is currently a man in the Montana state prison for life who barely subsisted in his east coast location through the winter, and took off walking to tour the west ever spring.......within a short distance from home, he would begin burglaries, carjackings, murder and mayhem. Three blocks from my house in Billings, Montana, he approached a retired sheriff in his nineties who was picking up his mail from his post office box on Sunday afternoon, forced him to drive at knife point to an empty schoolyard, killed him and drove calmly away. He stated after being arrested that his purpose was that he thought the old man's car would be a nice ride back to the East Coast. The state of Kansas has not yet prosecuted him for the murder of a Virginia woman that he abducted as she drove to her apartment complex's mailbox stands. He abandoned her car in Wyoming, on his way to Montana. JMO

Thank you Dave

 

[Dave F.]

If so, how did said drifter manage to obliterate SM's scent that would allow search dogs to pick up a beginning trail or alert on the place where she was attacked? Where are the drag marks, evidence of a struggle or attack, blood, scent, anything?

IMO

In the "drifter" cases that I just mentioned, there was literally NO EVIDENCE of struggle or abduction at the scene of either crime. IMO

 

[Madeleine74]

In the "drifter" cases that I just mentioned, there was literally NO EVIDENCE of struggle or abduction at the scene of either crime. IMO

No scent a canine could pick up of the victim having been there?

 

[Minordetails]

If so, how did said drifter manage to obliterate SM's scent that would allow search dogs to pick up a beginning trail or alert on the place where she was attacked? Where are the drag marks, evidence of a struggle or attack, blood, scent, anything?

IMO

Remember, LE aren’t releasing any details.

 

[Madeleine74]

Remember, LE aren’t releasing any details.

They're not, but if you make note of where they've searched and gotten search warrants in Colorado, it's all been associated with BM home, BM property & a work site under some cement. That indicates a strong focus.

 

[Dave F.]

No scent a canine could pick up of the victim having been there?

For the first case, WS is a good start:
Found Deceased Nc - Tamara Ann Gibson, 59, Asheville, 24 May 2018 *arrest*
Discussion in 'Located Persons Discussion' started by doodles1211, Jun 2, 2018.

I provided a link for the second case with my post. Searching that newspaper for the man's full name will provide all of the reports on that crime and investigation. I can further state that I witnessed as dog being used both in evidence search of the post office crime scene and in the later in the search for the murder weapon, which was never found. As stated, I live three blocks away from the scene of the crime, and it's a busy place on a busy street. JMO

 

[Synergizer Bunny]

I recently watched a Dateline episode on Michele Le. She was a nursing student who went missing, with her body eventually being found.

A couple of things struck me about Michele Le's case. First, after her vehicle was found, the police deemed it a homicide and would give no information to her concerned family or anyone else. It seems that they found blood evidence in her vehicle but didn't tell the family.

Maybe, that is what is happening in SM's case. Maybe, police discovered something to deem it a homicide case and are actively looking for the body and supporting evidence as to the murderer.

Second, because the police would give no information to the family, they continued to search for her. They didn't know where to begin and contacted Amber DuBois' mother who told them what they should do. They then contacted Marc Klaas, who was very helpful to them.

Marc Klaas was able to get some information from the police, like where they should be searching. They took all of the advice, set up a search center and formed search parties. After Amber DuBois' mother brought in a search dog, the body was eventually found.

If nobody in SM's family is responsible for her being missing, why aren't they doing the same thing? They have money to hire a PI (which is what Michele Le's family did without begging the public for money).

I'm very baffled as to why Suzanne's family isn't doing anything as far as we know. Michele's family also set up media interviews to keep Michele's picture and name in the public eye. They were very vocal. They wanted their loved one found.

They did all this because they were frustrated and had no idea of what the police were doing behind the scenes. It seems as if nobody cares about Suzanne. Surely, she was important to someone.

 

[Fireflize]

This case intrigues me: Here we have a couple married 25+ years and no dirty laundry aired, that we know of, or its being held back.I think SM recovering from two bouts of cancer was at a different place spiritually.I also think two girls, college ready, had a big impact on her decision making(empty nest). I believe it was time for her to move on, and go solo.
I have a feeling SM told BM and his ego was put in checkmate, and I think we know the rest of the story.

moo

Welcome to Websleuths , I think your theory is quite possible. Moo

 

[Murphy1950]

I recently watched a Dateline episode on Michele Le. She was a nursing student who went missing, with her body eventually being found.

A couple of things struck me about Michele Le's case. First, after her vehicle was found, the police deemed it homicide and would give no information to her concerned family or anyone else. It seems that they found blood evidence in her vehicle but didn't tell the family.

Maybe, that is what is happening in SM's case. Maybe, police discovered something to deem this to be a homicide case and are actively looking for the body and supporting evidence as to the murderer.

Second, because the police would give no information to the family, they continued to search for her. They didn't know where to begin and contacted Amber DuBois' mother who told them what they should do. They then contacted Marc Klaas, who was very helpful to them.

Marc Klaas was able to get some information from the police, like where they should be searching. They took all of the advice, set up a search center and formed search parties. After Amber DuBois' mother brought in a search dog, the body was eventually found.

If nobody in SM's family is responsible for her being missing, why aren't they doing the same thing? They have money to hire a PI (which is what Michele Le's family did without begging the public for money).

I'm very baffled as to why Suzanne's family isn't doing anything as far as we know. Michele's family also set up media interviews to keep Michele's picture and name in the public eye. They were very vocal. They wanted their loved one found.

They did all this because they were frustrated and had no idea of what the police were doing behind the scenes. It seems as if nobody cares about Suzanne. Surely, she was important to someone.

Excellent post!

ETA
A case in Virginia (1984, Melissa Branden) , they knew immediately, beyond a reasonable doubt, who had done the crime but had no body. Although Virginia law did not require a body of the victim to file murder charges, the law does require prosecutors to identify the location of the murder.

I wonder if Colorado has similar requirements?

In the end they did charge him with kidnapping based on fibers found in his car. They never could bring the murder charges; she still has never been found.