Found Deceased CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, did not return from bike ride, Chaffee County, 10 May 2020 #42

[Diddian]

Some states allow a Wrongful death suits where the vicitms family can get monetary damages. Wrongful death statutes confer a right of action for the fact and consequences of the victim's death itself where such death results from the defendant's wrongful or negligent act. But you can only sue 1 person,1 time. Unfortunately there needs to be defintive proof the person has passed before a wrongful death suit can be brought

Thank you for responding, @ivegotthe mic; however, I was thinking not so much of a victim's family recovering costs as municipal, state, and federal LE agencies that have expended enormous resources to attempt to locate remains and to analyze cellphone records and EVI, travel to multiple states to interview friends and associates, etc.

 

[RumorMonger]

no warrants will be issued per AM. It’s like LE is doing nothing.

This seems to be the prevailing feeling about LE nowadays. Interesting to see the about face as compared to not so long ago when everyone was completely convinced that LE had this case solved and just hadn't made an arrest because [insert your favorite excuse here]. IMO

 

[RumorMonger]

Yea that 130!!! Wow

IMO "searches" does not mean search warrants. Therefore, I don't know how to evaluate how impressive it is to have completed 130 searches.

 

[k-mac]

The more we’ve learned, the less prepared I believe he was.

All he did right was disappear for a few hours, and use that time to hide Suzanne’s body.

It’s not so much that he’s gotten lucky, as much as it is that he had a huge advantage. There are no shortage of places to hide a body in that area.

I don't think any of this was premeditated.
Suzanne was the love of his life. I believe this 100%
Barry is a big big powerful unit.
He could knock somebody from one side of the room to another in a back hand if his temper seen fit.
Somewhere along those lines I believe little petite Suzanne found herself

Barry has to live with the consequences of his angry outbursts whether he gets away with this or not...he lost everything in the death of Suzanne. keeping out of jail now is all he has to look forward to.......
Another case I follow the murderous husband ended up admitting...'I hit her just a little bit too hard".
okie dokie so all the other times were just the right amount

moo

 

[MassGuy]

IMO "searches" does not mean search warrants. Therefore, I don't know how to evaluate how impressive it is to have completed 130 searches.

That number does include search warrants:

• 130+ Searches conducted (including warrants, which remained sealed at this time)

 

[MassGuy]

I have never seen law enforcement hold regular press conferences in a murder investigation.

Unless they need the public’s help, this is exactly how it’s done.

It’s also rare to have monthly press releases, so we’re a bit spoiled here.

 

[Area52]

<modsnip: Broken quote>


While regular press conferences would probably satisfy some "inquiring minds", LE has no obligation to share information with the public about their investigation. When this case goes to court, especially if there is no body, it will be to their advantage to have evidence and information that wasn't disclosed by the Daily Mail! As my husband, a retired LE , used to tell me " It's on a need-to-know basis....and you don't need to know" MOO

 

[citygirl]

IMO "searches" does not mean search warrants. Therefore, I don't know how to evaluate how impressive it is to have completed 130 searches.

Look at it this way.
It's 130 searches we had NO inkling of.
I kinda like that.
MOO.

 

[Dave F.]

Some states allow a Wrongful death suits where the vicitms family can get monetary damages. Wrongful death statutes confer a right of action for the fact and consequences of the victim's death itself where such death results from the defendant's wrongful or negligent act. But you can only sue 1 person,1 time. Unfortunately there needs to be definitive proof the person has passed before a wrongful death suit can be brought

I am not a lawyer, but we learned in the Berreth case that a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado by relatives who are residents of another state can be extremely difficult. IMO, IANAL
Patrick Frazee files motion to dismiss wrongful death lawsuit

 

[MassGuy]

This seems to be the prevailing feeling about LE nowadays. Interesting to see the about face as compared to not so long ago when everyone was completely convinced that LE had this case solved and just hadn't made an arrest because [insert your favorite excuse here]. IMO

No about face here. At the beginning of this case, I set the over/under at 6 months, and said I was taking the over.

This is the exact type of case that tends to be a slog, as there isn’t a body.

I’m not understanding the concern in regards to the lack of an arrest at this point. I fully expect this to continue for a while.

Knowing who did it is different from having enough evidence to prove who did it. I’m completely confident they will get there.

 

[crhedBngr]

Look at it this way.
It's 130 searches we had NO inkling of.
I kinda like that.
MOO.

Works for me, too.

JMVHO.

 

[RumorMonger]

I wouldn't blame LE if they were actually annoyed. They were put under a spotlight, and people who know nothing about the investigation jumped to the conclusion that they weren't doing their jobs. It's not their fault that details about the investigation were leaked to the media. They have been relentless in protecting the integrity of this investigation.

This is why it's so important to keep information from the public. I bet the perp is feeling pretty satisfied right now with all the criticism of LE. He depends on it to justify his claims that LE has completely botched the investigation. He knew SM's body was not going to be found where they were searching and all it did was feed his ego.

Even if LE does eventually make an arrest, with all the information that has come out in the last month, it may be very difficult to guarantee a fair trial at this point.

IMO

While I can imagine that it would be in the best interest of an investigation to be secretive I generally disagree that "it's so important to keep information from the public." I would say its so important to share as much information as possible with the public (that pays your salary and gives you their trust) at all times. Further, I certainly think that the avoidance of criticism from the public is never a valid reason to withhold information.

I can't blame the public for being annoyed or losing faith. After five months there is little evidence of progress and ridiculously little information from LE. Maybe there truly is no progress, in which case the criticism is valid. Maybe there is progress and it has been kept it secret. In that case LE will be vindicated. Either way, it seems to be in the public's best interest to keep the pressure on LE to solve the case. IMO

 

[citygirl]

No about face here. At the beginning of this case, I set the over/under at 6 months, and said I was taking the over.

This is the exact type of case that tends to be a slog, as there isn’t a body.

I’m not understanding the concern in regards to the lack of an arrest at this point. I fully expect this to continue for a while.

Knowing who did it is different from having enough evidence to prove who did it. I’m completely confident they will get there.

All I can think of is the McStay family.
Just shy of 4 years before they were found.
MOO.

 

[RumorMonger]

That number does include search warrants:

• 130+ Searches conducted (including warrants, which remained sealed at this time)

I understand that it includes SWs. It is not exclusively SWs. IMO

 

[MassGuy]

All I can think of is the McStay family.
Just shy of 4 years before they were found.
MOO.

One key difference here is that LE was on scene right away, and didn’t hesitate to call in the big guns.

The Mcstay case had a delay between the murders, and the time they were reported missing.

Finding the bodies became much more important in that case, as lost time means lost evidence.

I don’t think that will be the case here.

 

[branmuffin]

Are you beginning to rethink this?
Was BM more prepared than we thought?
Or has he just gotten lucky?

I think BM is incredibly lucky. I think his knowledge of area and his profession regarding rocks and sand and gravel give him an edge in where would be an ideal place to hide a body. Even a radius of a quarter of a mile from the place she was murdered would offer up thousands of places to hide a body.

Draw a circle with a radius on a map

 

[GordianKnot]

This seems to be the prevailing feeling about LE nowadays. Interesting to see the about face as compared to not so long ago when everyone was completely convinced that LE had this case solved and just hadn't made an arrest because [insert your favorite excuse here]. IMO

BBM:

Well, that's certainly not the prevailing sentiment here at La Casa Gordian, I can assure you of that.

Frankly, I'm appalled at the suggestion that LE has been twiddling their thumbs for the past 4 months.

To review:

CHAFFEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

<snip>

The Suzanne Morphew Missing Person Investigative Task Force remains dedicated to determining what happened to Suzanne. “The level of commitment from the entire team from the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office, CBI and FBI investigators is unprecedented and unparalleled,” said Sheriff John Spezze. “While the public may not see all of the effort being put forth in this case, I can assure the community that this investigation continues to move forward.”

The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to assigning financial and staffing resources to this case, as leads continue to be extensively followed up on by investigators. “The investigative task force remains resolved in their commitment to finding Suzanne, and our hearts go out to her family and friends,” said Sheriff Spezze.

Anyone with information that could assist law enforcement in locating Suzanne Morphew is encouraged to call 719-312-7530.

Suzanne Morphew missing person Investigative Task Force Recap since May 10:

• 1,123 Total tips called to the designated tip line (includes hang-ups and duplicates).
• 180 Interviews conducted in Colorado, Indiana and other locations. This number does not take into account the hundreds of other contacts made between investigators and individuals as part of this case since May.
• 130+ Searches conducted (including warrants, which remained sealed at this time)
• 4,000+ Hours spent by Task Force investigators on the case.

______________________________

That doesn't look like nothing to me.

Those numbers ain't zeros.

The fact that we haven't seen an arrest to date doesn't mean that LE has not made progress to date.

LE can't always provide the public with instant gratification in the form of an immediate arrest.

Investigations take time.

JMO.

 

[ShHolmz]

no problem - I always appreciate your posts of media content- IIRC we had a lively discussion about the helmet with most sleuthers indicating that they believe the helmet to be the item especially since the publication of the note given to the store clerk which also said helmet - I don't know if it is true because CCSO hasn't confirmed anything about it. but we can speculate.
JMO

Oh my what a coincidence.

 

[ivegotthemic]

BBM:

Well, that's certainly not the prevailing sentiment here at Chez Gordian, I can assure you of that.

Frankly, I'm appalled at the suggestion that LE has been twiddling their thumbs for the past 4 months.

To review:

CHAFFEE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

<snip>

The Suzanne Morphew Missing Person Investigative Task Force remains dedicated to determining what happened to Suzanne. “The level of commitment from the entire team from the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office, CBI and FBI investigators is unprecedented and unparalleled,” said Sheriff John Spezze. “While the public may not see all of the effort being put forth in this case, I can assure the community that this investigation continues to move forward.”

The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to assigning financial and staffing resources to this case, as leads continue to be extensively followed up on by investigators. “The investigative task force remains resolved in their commitment to finding Suzanne, and our hearts go out to her family and friends,” said Sheriff Spezze.

Anyone with information that could assist law enforcement in locating Suzanne Morphew is encouraged to call 719-312-7530.

Suzanne Morphew missing person Investigative Task Force Recap since May 10:

• 1,123 Total tips called to the designated tip line (includes hang-ups and duplicates).
• 180 Interviews conducted in Colorado, Indiana and other locations. This number does not take into account the hundreds of other contacts made between investigators and individuals as part of this case since May.
• 130+ Searches conducted (including warrants, which remained sealed at this time)
• 4,000+ Hours spent by Task Force investigators on the case.

______________________________

That doesn't look like nothing to me.

Those numbers ain't zeros.

The fact that we haven't seen an arrest to date doesn't mean that LE has not made progress to date.

LE can't always provide the public with instant gratification in the form of an immediate arrest.

Investigations take time.

JMO.

To piggyback off this while law enforcement is required to take every missing person report they receive, in the case of adults they have no legal obligation to immediately start looking for them. In fact many jurisdictions insist on waiting at least 24 hours, because adults are within their rights to go missing and theres a presumption theyve left of their own free will. You would be saddened to know how many family swear up and down my kid would never just up and leave and LE doesnt take it as seriously as a they should. The first 48 hours of a missing persons case are critical to take action to figure out the person's last known location and collect evidence from the scene. Sometimes waiting means important evidence gets unintentionally destroyed or contaminated. but that was NEVER the case her. LE immediately took action to start looking for SM. They took it very seriously from the moment the missing person report was filed and theyve continued to work diligently ever since.

 

[Hoosierfan72]

Just jumping off your post, Hoosierfan...

This might one of the most misunderstood aspects of criminal cases. There are only 2 classifications of evidence: Direct or Circumstantial. Under the law both types of evidence are equal.

Direct evidence = an eyewitness to the crime, a confession by the perp, or a video showing the crime being committed.

Circumstantial evidence = everything else including all physical evidence, forensics, blood, hair, fibers, footprints, fingerprints, statements, the body, etc.

Most criminal cases are 'only' circumstantial. How often is there an eyewitness to the crime or a confession or a video of the crime as it's being committed? Most overturned convictions are because of false eyewitness testimony (i.e. direct evidence).

Circumstantial cases are extremely powerful cases when there's enough evidence to give to a jury. The DA has to decide when there's "enough." A DA who has never tried a case before would be more reluctant to cut their teeth on a high profile case, which is one reason the upcoming DA election affecting Chaffee County is so vital.

IMO

Well said - thank you for the clarification. Hopefully we'll see this come to trial with or without the discovery of a body.