Found Deceased CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, did not return from bike ride, Chaffee County, 10 May 2020 #32

[allyoucantleavebehind]

From linked info upthread:

“I thought the pool might have been open, but it wasn’t,” Puckett said.

We know the pool was closed but wondering if there is a hot tub that could have caused the chlorine odor.

It would be strange if a hot tub were open while the pool was closed, if that closing was related to COVID? I've always been told that hot tubs were more likely to transmit bacterial infections and viruses than swimming pools (which is strange in so many ways).

Was he on the first floor? And where would one have to be in a motel to smell the hot tub if it was an indoor hot tub? Or even an outdoor hot tub?

MOO the chlorine was involved in killing DNA evidence. And BM isn't very smart. He could have taken that FOX interview with LS as an opportunity to push back--to say he was using chlorine wipes due to COVID to wipe down the room and be safe upon entry. Instead, he insisted that he had nothing to do with bleach smells. That means that any bleach he touched or made contact with is now suspicious. He almost loaded his own dice with that lie.

 

[allyoucantleavebehind]

Given that SM paused a conversation with a friend and was never heard from again, I have been assuming she was killed right around that time. Occasionally I'm texting with a friend and I get interrupted - I always text 'gotta go, later' and my friends do the same.

However...the house has been searched multiple times and presumably the grounds have, too. If there was blood evidence, I think LE would have found it - if not on the first search, certainly on subsequent searches.

Which leads me to wonder: did BM kill her at home in a non-bloody way or did he somehow persuade her to go somewhere with him and he murdered her there. I'm inclined towards the latter.

That said, and I shudder to post it, I believe if he had knocked her out, put her in one of his hunting coolers, and secured the cooler, he would have left little incriminating evidence at home or in any vehicle he used to move the cooler. I don't know - maybe it's possible she would have suffocated if put in a cooler while alive.

MOO it was a strangling or suffocation. Maybe suffocation with a pillow, something where he couldn't see her face.

I agree that blood hasn't been mentioned by LE in any reports and I wonder about that often. It's so hard to say or guess?

 

[allyoucantleavebehind]

I agree, and posted earlier that he possibly justified killing SM because of her unrelenting health problems with cancer. He saw his complicity as an honorable mercy killing at her bequest.

I hear this @trujac but it wouldn't fly as a justification. Not for an instant or an inch.

Suzanne LOVED life, and she was used to fighting for it. She had fought for it as a teen. She would never ever consent to being "taken out" like that. Her cancer was treatable and it was being treated without intense chemo (like the Red Devil)--she was doing maintenance treatment (which could have included immunotherapy). She was in good medical hands and she worked out regularly and rode a bike and lived a full and active life. If BM ever suggested a mercy killing at her bequest, he would just be doing more of that extensive and exhausting lying that has become his MO. MOO.

 

[allyoucantleavebehind]

While I do agree with this statement, I do have to also toss in here that we actually don't know if there's any history of violence from BM (towards SM). Just like we don't know if there's a history of marital strife. While I'm not saying there is, or there's any record of it, I am saying that it's incredibly common to sweep it under the rug, for a lot of couples and for a LOT of reasons. I think the 1 person that would know for sure about such things, is the same person that had her conversation with SM end abruptly on the 9th.

We do have at least 1 person back in Indiana as well, that filed a police report that documented BM does have it in him to get violently physical. So, there's that. And that shouldn't be ignored.

jmo

True true @Ontario Mom--but I also think someone besides BM and SM know more. I can't imagine the daughters not being aware of marital tension, especially if they were living at home during the pandemic. I can't imagine how hard it is for them right now, trying not to imagine the worst scenario...and trying to process whatever tensions or strife they witnessed with what it implies or suggests about Suzanne's death. That (along with Mr. Moorsman) is just deeply, deeply sad.

 

[kkdj]

Because I think this happened in the afternoon, I don’t think so. It’s possible, but I think this was probably straight up.

mmmm. What was BM doing earlier on Saturday afternoon? Was Friday night carried over to Saturday?
Just trying to think of different possible scenarios.

 

[Seni]

Sure. That’s entirely possible. And it would explain a violent reaction.

But I think the other way is more likely. That means divorce, and half his assets.

He couldn’t have that.

I don't get you. Wouldnt it be half assets either way?

 

[allyoucantleavebehind]

I'm still on the fence regarding premeditation (at least from a legal standpoint - I agree that this doesn't appear to be well planned, but am unsure if it was a crime of passion or if it was something else).

My wife would say he was never a bad guy growing up. He wasn't perfect - was a bit arrogant and cocky, but we all knew many guys (especially athletes, IMO) who were that way in HS. He wasn't a troublemaker. Certainly time and life experiences can change a person, but I think it's accurate to say that nobody who knew him growing up would have ever imagined a scenario like this with BM a POI in something like this.

My wife has said that, literally, SM may be the absolute sweetest person she has ever known. Truly an extraordinarily kind soul. (We joke about how every victim on Dateline could "light up a room" - but the positive comments you've heard about SM are not exaggerations). DW's impression through the years was they were happy together (and not simply posing for FB). If BM is indeed guilty, something significant changed - with him, with the relationship - or both. JMO, MOO.

Thank you for sharing this @Hoosierfan72. It makes me feel like the daughters are in a doubly-awful position right now. Because if you have a warm effusive loving sweet mom and there is marital tension, that mom can't fake "warmness"--especially since she's not a fake or performative person. It's Suzanne's authenticity that I think would make it so hard to disguise ongoing marital tension from close, intimate friends and the daughters at home. MOO.

BM, on the other hand seems more salesman-like, as if he can talk a deal and compartmentalize (i.e. not always be authentic or open or spiritually-generous). I'm just thinking aloud about marital tensions and what might have happened, or what pushed things over the top. Had the tensions existed in IN, or did something change in Salida (loss of old networks, change of behavior without family and old friends keeping character in check, etc.)?

 

[Karen Walker]

There are a few things that are not really adding up to me.
1. If BM is guilty why would he have brought insurance paperwork to the hotel, tossed it in the trash and left it there to be found? Jeff claims he thought it was an alibi... But if BM made reservations at the hotel why would he need more proof of him being there?
2. The cooler question is another thing. There is a picture of BM carrying a cooler I guess that picture is supposed to prove he owns coolers? But it looks like one of those Styrofoam coolers. Maybe he only grabs coolers that be tossed since he hunts and it gets messy?
3. Who on earth is Jeff Pucket? What is his story and why does he seem so angry and so ready to say BM is involved?

BBM. Interesting. Do you have a link of the picture of BM carrying a cooler? TIA

 

[allyoucantleavebehind]

It might have been a confession of an affair by Suzanne. Just adding to general speculation.

MOO. She would have to be a different person entirely. She would have to be a different person. There's nothing in her life, her self-definition, her self-discipline, her spirit, her actions, her beliefs, or her character to suggest she had an affair. She wasn't externally-directed (like BM). She invested her entire self not in proving success to the world but in being a mother and wife. I can't imagine this--and I have a wild imagination.

On the other hand, I do think she wanted to be closer to her dad and she missed people in IN. I wonder if BM was worried that if she attended that wedding, she would want to move back and leave Colorado. I wonder if she knew her dad's cancer was terminal, and whether she would want to move there to be with him in his final times. I wonder if BM knew--or what he knew--about Mr. M's health. And whether he knew more than Suzanne?

 

[JerichoTina]

BBM. Interesting. Do you have a link of the picture of BM carrying a cooler? TIA

I saw the picture in a Youtuber's video. I am not sure if we are allowed to post.

 

[MassGuy]

mmmm. What was BM doing earlier on Saturday afternoon? Was Friday night carried over to Saturday?
Just trying to think of different possible scenarios.

That sounds like a @MassGuy bender. Except Friday extends into Sunday or Thursday. I once lost an entire week.

I guess it’s possible, but I see panicked thinking, as opposed to drunken. I think this was genuine rage.

 

[Poedelini]

Well I happen to think BM WAS a terrible guy.

- we know he's a prolific liar, it flows right off his tongue.

- he does have a history of violence, per the guy in Indiana who had a fight w/ him on a job site.

- he was a controller, per anonymous friend of SM from Indiana.

- We don't know if there was marital strife or
violence toward SM behind closed doors.

- all wasn't hunky dory in the marriage according to SM's friend.

- as with other controlling husbands he isolated his wife away from her family and friends.

- he delayed even asking for help to find his missing wife. too soon.

- he turns everything into a monologue about
himself. Totally self absorbed.

- We still don't know the REAL reason they
uprooted their life and moved to Colorado.
Maybe this will come out or maybe not.
I suspect BM wanted a fresh start where people
didn't know his reputation.

So no, BM is not Mr. Nice Guy. He'll fit right in with the other personality disordered murderers.

moo

Slam dunk.

 

[MrsWatson]

I seesaw on premeditation.

I think BM has a temper, as evidenced by not only the charges brought in IN, but in that phone call with Lauren. His voice, with Lauren, was a glimpse into his soul for me. Those are only the times we, the public, know about BM losing his temper. What about the episodes we don't know about?

I also wonder if BM, after SM's most recent cancer diagnosis, expected her not to survive. He had already moved on, in his mind, to a wild at heart widower. Maybe he was disappointed she survived and was by all accounts, doing very well physically. This didn't fit into his future.

I wonder if SM wasn't always the brakes on the car in their relationship; the cautious one, the calm one who smoothed everything over and kept everything going. I wonder how much resentment BM had built up over the years, when she said no to something. Screwed up his plans.

So maybe they were very happy, but maybe BM's expectations had changed since the move to CO and although I don't think he woke up that day and thought today's the day, I do wonder if he wasn't having some of these thoughts rattling around. Something happened that Saturday. It triggered BM's temper and because he'd already entertained the thought of what his life would be like without her, he lost any inhibitions he may have had in the past as far as physically hurting her. And he's a big guy, and although SM looked quite fit, no match for his size or bulk.

Then he had to clean up, both the house and her communications, and we have the Hotel Room Saga.

I think all of his many stories are a result of him not having a specific plan. But I also don't think this was something he'd never thought about before.

All MOO and speculation

 

[Seattle1]

So does Co no longer use a Grand Jury at all or do you mean a GJ could be used but only to obtain information and subpoena witnesses and then the D.A. files charges? My understanding was that a GJ is an option to determine if a case is strong enough to prosecute? I was wondering before if a GJ would be used in Suzanne’s case and if they could call BM’s employees to testify in secret?

^^RSBM

Rule 7 - The Indictment and the Information

Rule 7 of Colorado Rules of Criminal Procedure provides for delivering criminal charges by either 1) Indictment or 2) Information.

I think I posted this in the prior thread. In some states, all felony cases go in front of a grand jury and are charged by indictment, but in Colorado, the vast majority of cases are filed via information.

When a case is filed by information, the police officers will bring police reports and witness statements to the District Attorney’s Office ("DA"). At this time, they make a decision whether charges are warranted or not, and what those charges should be. The DA files a complaint and information with the court that outlines the charges against the defendant. This is the preferred method to file charges in Colorado according to the statues.

This doesn't mean that grand jury indictments don't happen because they are provided for in Rule 7, it's just seldom used here. In cases I've followed, I think I can only remember one time when grand jury was used -- 1999, JonBenet Ramsey.

In cases that are of public importance, involve public corruption, or where witnesses need to be protected, that's when Colorado will use a grand jury.
I certainly don't see a grand jury for this case.

If you follow Colorado cases, you'll recognize the following procedures: arrest, advisement, bond, and preliminary hearing, arraignment, jury trial, and sentencing.

It's the preliminary hearing that most of us here live for. (Also, a preliminary hearing isn't part of the "grand jury" procedure). It's one of the reasons why I personally prefer criminal charges by information.

Also, unique to Colorado's criminal court procedure is that cameras are only allowed in the courtroom for advisements and arraignments.

Preliminary Hearing: At this hearing, the District Attorney will be required to present sufficient evidence to prove that it is more likely than not that the accused committed the crime or crimes he/she is charged with committing.

The District Attorney is not required to put on all of their evidence or even the testimony of the victim. The court will allow statements of witnesses to come into evidence through a detective or other police officer. The accused will not testify. With few exceptions, only persons charged with a class 1, 2, or 3 felony or who are in jail on a class 4, 5, or 6 are entitled to this hearing.

Any person may waive their right to a preliminary hearing. Waiving the hearing is not unusual and is done to keep open a plea bargain. By waiving a preliminary hearing, the accused does not waive any other of his/her rights.

See attached links for definitions worth holding on to if you follow Colorado cases.

http://www.coloradodefenders.us/wp-...e-to-the-colorado-criminal-justice-system.pdf

Rule 7 - The Indictment and the Information, Colo. R. Crim. P. 7 | Casetext Search + Citator

 

[Cindizzi]

I saw the picture in a Youtuber's video. I am not sure if we are allowed to post.

You’re correct that the YouTube channel is not an approved source.
However, it can be found on SM’s social media which can be shared here. Note it was posted October 2015 and IMO is not the type of cooler missing from the house.

https://twitter.com/srmorphew/status/659895672485888000?s=21

 

[trujac]

Well, IF and that is a big IF.... He should be first in line. IMO he's done more damage to his reputation than all media outlets put together. He has made himself look suspect, has not been forthright and has given several statements that lead down the liar path. I'd bet some money your scenario won't be the case, but boy i'd be happy for everyone if they figure it out and there is #justiceforsuzanne. More than anything, i'd like to see it for her daughters.. They deserve closure and I hope they haven't lost both parents to this travesty..

Very well put...BM definitely has been culpable in the destruction of his reputation. The sorting out of his own tire tracks running himself over and over again with lies and contradictions would give attorneys a field day in sorting out a strategy to win a libel suit. His daughters must be swinging on a limb of uncertainty...regarding his guilt or innocence. Either way, their life can't be easy now with both parents unable to provide them with any sense of stability.

 

[Seattle1]

Profiling Evil@ProfilingEvil

Race day in Indiana. Thanks to #AndersonSpeedway and #Hoofprints for keeping #SuzanneMorphew in the public spotlight. Some folks are trying! #ProfilingEvil #moormanfamily #truecrimecommunity #bringsuzannehome #truecrime
@PAULANEALMOONEY
@crime_it
#BroadwayPress

2:29 PM · Sep 5, 2020

 

[trujac]

Just going to chime in and say that in my book a good guy would never have it in him to “snap” or “lose his temper” and kill someone he loves. He either has it in him to do it or he doesn’t. And if he does, then he never was a good guy.

Yes, I agree...murdering a spouse--especially a long term spouse...in my books, is crossing a thin blue line that most people would never come close to tripping over.

 

[Mimi in London]

I think she found something out, confronted him, he strangled her, stashed her in a cooler and buried the cooler.

This is what I think, too. But I don’t think she necessarily confronted him on that day. She may have given him an ultimatum some time previously, and he realised she was going to follow through on leaving him/not selling the house in Indiana.

 

[Seattle1]

This is what I think, too. But I don’t think she necessarily confronted him on that day. She may have given him an ultimatum some time previously, and he realised she was going to follow through on leaving him/not selling the house in Indiana.

Actually, the house was already sold a year prior. They were waiting for the final payment which was set up for a ballon that came due in June. She may have been waiting for the pay-off to leave but she could not stop the house sale. That was not an option.