Found Deceased CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, did not return from bike ride, Chaffee County, 10 May 2020 #50

[Ontario Mom]

The key wording of the act is that investigators MAY ASSUME. It doesn't say anything about having to prove in advance.
IMO

Yet we have been given no reason to believe this is what happened in SM's case.
As in, we have no reason to believe the CCSO's used this "presumption" of a kidnapping across state lines, to get the FBI on board because nothing like that has ever been stated by any LE in re: to this case.

What we do know, is what Spezze said in the 05.14 presser (he asked them to come on board to assist) and that it was the FBI's ERT (evidence recovery team) at the riverside dig site. So that tells me they (the FBI) were there in a very specific capacity, to give the CCSO additional resources.

 

[Kittybunny]

And....oddly enough, BM gave NO description of the missing person, “the love of his life” Suzanne! Seems like he wasn’t expecting anyone to find her, just the planted evidence was heavy on his mind. Why, oh why had the planted evidence been missed! It was important for the “evidence” to be found to further his narrative of abduction, mountain lion, confused and fell in the water, which ever story he was using that LE would grab hold of! Problem was, LE didn’t believe any of it! I hope he’s sweating bullets! MOO

Exactly. During his 26-second plea, he could have held up a picture of Suzanne. He could have described her bike, her bike helmet, the routes she usually took, what time she left, asked for motorists to report any sightings of her to LE. Things that were common sense, that anyone who ...unless of course, you know that there was no bike ride, no sightings to be seen, and nothing that could really help find Suzanne.

It's so hard to be patient. I really want justice for Suzanne.

 

[Puzzles8]

There are some atv’s with GPS systems as well as some of the Bobcats. Depending on the atv, it would be easy to transport a large cooler on it. We do not know, to my knowledge, whether BM owned an atv or not. I would suspect he did, but it hasn’t been confirmed.
@Trackergd, one of our experts in tracking, search and rescue, has always been of the opinion that BM probably disposed of SM’s body somewhere in the wooded acreage near their home, most likely using an atv to transport the body. There is a road just off PP that leads to the Monarch Spur RV Park. This road is parallel to a power line cut. It would be easy to follow the cut in an atv then branch off somewhere to conceal the body.
This theory makes the most sense if he had only the 3 1/2 hour timeline to dispose of the body as stated by AM.

I am beginning to become more interested in Monarch Pass and the area around it because of the power line cut and it's potential accessibility to ATV's.

We might be overthinking what BM did with SM's remains. Using K.I.S.S. thinking, I think he took SM, by ATV to (Monarch Pass) where he threw her over the edge.

SM could have been already deceased or she might have died from the fall. In either case she would probably fall far into an inaccessible area of very difficult and steep terrain. There are also dirt roads in the area where older versions of Monarch Pass are.
Old, Old Monarch Pass - Monarch Mountain

Assuming the ATV had no GPS and no phones along, that might explain why LE doesn't know where SM is.

Just a possible theory, JMO, MOO

 

[Boxer]

Yet we have been given no reason to believe this is what happened in SM's case.
As in, we have no reason to believe the CCSO's used this "presumption" of a kidnapping across state lines, to get the FBI on board because nothing like that has ever been stated by any LE in re: to this case.

What we do know, is what Spezze said in the 05.14 presser (he asked them to come on board to assist) and that it was the FBI's ERT (evidence recovery team) at the riverside dig site. So that tells me they (the FBI) were there in a very specific capacity, to give the CCSO additional resources.

Like forensic site recovery, AND forensic digital discovery.

 

[steeltowngirl]

Yet we have been given no reason to believe this is what happened in SM's case.
As in, we have no reason to believe the CCSO's used this "presumption" of a kidnapping across state lines, to get the FBI on board because nothing like that has ever been stated by any LE in re: to this case.

What we do know, is what Spezze said in the 05.14 presser (he asked them to come on board to assist) and that it was the FBI's ERT (evidence recovery team) at the riverside dig site. So that tells me they (the FBI) were there in a very specific capacity, to give the CCSO additional resources.

I know I’m overthinking it, but I am left wondering under what circumstances the FBI will accept a request to assist with and provide resources to a local investigation. There are so many missing persons out there. Basically, what about this case was compelling enough for them to dedicate resources?

 

[al66pine]

24 Hr Presumption?

The legal platform for rapid FBI participation is the "Lindbergh Law" (Federal Statute (48 Stat. 781) which allows that if a missing person is not found within the first 24 hours, it can be presumed for investigative purposes that the person has been taken against their will across state lines. All it takes from there is an invitation, which the CCSO obviously tendered early. IMO, IANAL Lindbergh Act

I found the source of the first 24 hours presumption ^ post referenced. I did not initially search the fed kidnapping act* itself, which includes phrase "...not preclude Federal investigation before the 24-hour period has ended..." So, my mistake, my apologies. See my bbm in footnote.
But from my quick read, appears to me that Fed investigation of a possible violation still hinges on indications of a kidnapping w transport across state lines and holding for ransom or reward. my2cts.

Regardless, appears FBI is or was investigating. I hope their participation helps to locate the perp, whoever it may be.
_____________________________________
* "(a) Whoever unlawfully seizes, confines, inveigles, decoys, kidnaps, abducts, or carries away and holds for ransom or reward or otherwise any person, except in the case of a minor by the parent thereof, when—
(1) the person is willfully transported in interstate or foreign commerce, regardless of whether the person was alive when transported across a State boundary, or the offender travels in interstate or foreign commerce or uses the mail or any means, facility, or instrumentality of interstate or foreign commerce in committing or in furtherance of the commission of the offense;
"(b) With respect to subsection (a)(1), above, the failure to release the victim within twenty-four hours after he shall have been unlawfully seized, confined, inveigled, decoyed, kidnapped, abducted, or carried away shall create a rebuttable presumption that such person has been transported in interstate or foreign commerce. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, the fact that the presumption under this section has not yet taken effect does not preclude a Federal investigation of a possible violation of this section before the 24-hour period has ended." bbm
18 U.S. Code § 1201 - Kidnapping. or 18 U.S. Code § 1201.Kidnapping

 

[Dave F.]

The CCSO first announced that they had invited the participation of the FBI in their news release of May 14, 2020. The bulletin does not say that they had arrived and were participating.........it merely says the FBI had been asked to provide assistance. This is at least 48 hours after the CCSO began it investigation into SM's disappearance.
IMO

Search continues for Suzanne Morphew - Chaffee County Sheriff

 

[steeltowngirl]

Looks like the FBI will lend lab help, even without interstate travel. At least for missing kids.

“The FBI will monitor other kidnapping situations when there is no evidence of interstate travel, and it offers assistance from various entities including the FBI Laboratory.”

If a child is missing and possibly kidnapped, but no interstate transportation is known, will the FBI begin an investigation? — FBI

 

[Hoss569]

Wouldn't the FBI need to be notified if there was the possibility the event happened on Federal land? There is quite a bit of federal land(BLM, National Forest, etc) in Colorado, and I believe there house and property is in the Pike and San Isabel National Forest.

Also, would the FBI be questioned if there was indication of serial type activity as well? or checking to see if matching something they (FBI & CBI) were working on?

 

[Boxer]

I am beginning to become more interested in Monarch Pass and the area around it because of the power line cut and it's potential accessibility to ATV's.

We might be overthinking what BM did with SM's remains. Using K.I.S.S. thinking, I think he took SM, by ATV to (Monarch Pass) where he threw her over the edge.

SM could have been already deceased or she might have died from the fall. In either case she would probably fall far into an inaccessible area of very difficult and steep terrain. There are also dirt roads in the area where older versions of Monarch Pass are.
Old, Old Monarch Pass - Monarch Mountain

Assuming the ATV had no GPS and no phones along, that might explain why LE doesn't know where SM is.

Just a possible theory, JMO, MOO

MOO it's an area of interest for sure. I think Old Monarch Pass offers getting off road on to the powerline catwalks.

 

[Quiet Time]

I am beginning to become more interested in Monarch Pass and the area around it because of the power line cut and it's potential accessibility to ATV's.

We might be overthinking what BM did with SM's remains. Using K.I.S.S. thinking, I think he took SM, by ATV to (Monarch Pass) where he threw her over the edge.

SM could have been already deceased or she might have died from the fall. In either case she would probably fall far into an inaccessible area of very difficult and steep terrain. There are also dirt roads in the area where older versions of Monarch Pass are.
Old, Old Monarch Pass - Monarch Mountain

Assuming the ATV had no GPS and no phones along, that might explain why LE doesn't know where SM is.

Just a possible theory, JMO, MOO

I like this theory.
You hear this a lot of the time on Dateline, and other crime shows, where the husband does just this to get rid of his wife. Along w/his sob story of how she fell.

Quick and easy...imo

 

[Cindizzi]

The CCSO first announced that they had invited the participation of the FBI in their news release of May 14, 2020. The bulletin does not say that they had arrived and were participating.........it merely says the FBI had been asked to provide assistance. This is at least 48 hours after the CCSO began it investigation into SM's disappearance.
IMO

Search continues for Suzanne Morphew - Chaffee County Sheriff

On May 13 the CCSO say that CBI and FBI HAVE joined the effort.

Update on Suzanne Morphew search Tipline established - Chaffee County Sheriff

In conjunction with the search the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the disappearance of Ms Morphew. Investigators from the 11th Judicial District, Colorado Bureau of Investigations, the Salida Police Department, the Fremont County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigations have joined the effort.

 

[al66pine]

Straight from FBI website.

Looks like the FBI will lend lab help, even without interstate travel. At least for missing kids. “The FBI will monitor other kidnapping situations when there is no evidence of interstate travel, and it offers assistance from various entities including the FBI Laboratory.” If a child is missing and possibly kidnapped, but no interstate transportation is known, will the FBI begin an investigation? — FBI

@steeltowngirl Thx for your post, leading me to read more FAQs. More from link (as Nancy G says, no bombshells):

"Do FBI agents work with state, local, or other law enforcement officers on “task forces”?
... Task forces have proven to be a highly effective way for the FBI and federal, state, and local law enforcement to join together to address specific crime problems and national security threats. In law enforcement, “concurrent jurisdiction” may exist, where a crime may be a local, state, and federal violation all at the same time. Task forces typically focus on terrorism, organized crime, narcotics, gangs, bank robberies, kidnapping, and motor…" bbm

"Does the FBI Laboratory conduct examinations of evidence for anyone other than the FBI?
Yes. In addition to performing examinations for its own cases, the FBI Laboratory conducts scientific examinations of evidence, free of charge, for any federal, state, and/or local law enforcement organization in the United States." bbm
Frequently Asked Questions — FBI

 

[Boxer]

Exactly. During his 26-second plea, he could have held up a picture of Suzanne. He could have described her bike, her bike helmet, the routes she usually took, what time she left, asked for motorists to report any sightings of her to LE. Things that were common sense, that anyone who ...unless of course, you know that there was no bike ride, no sightings to be seen, and nothing that could really help find Suzanne.

It's so hard to be patient. I really want justice for Suzanne.

And MOO it seems like after that deficient plea is when TN disappeared from the scene.

 

[NWLady]

I noticed those tats....
Imagine the conversation between BM and JP.
And JP had to be wondering, "Why the heck should I wear long sleeves ? What are you getting at ?"
Imo.

It might be something like the Jennifer Farber Dulos case where Fotis asked his employee to change the seats in his (employee's) truck?

 

[Lilypad13]

I am beginning to become more interested in Monarch Pass and the area around it because of the power line cut and it's potential accessibility to ATV's.

We might be overthinking what BM did with SM's remains. Using K.I.S.S. thinking, I think he took SM, by ATV to (Monarch Pass) where he threw her over the edge.

SM could have been already deceased or she might have died from the fall. In either case she would probably fall far into an inaccessible area of very difficult and steep terrain. There are also dirt roads in the area where older versions of Monarch Pass are.
Old, Old Monarch Pass - Monarch Mountain

Assuming the ATV had no GPS and no phones along, that might explain why LE doesn't know where SM is.

Just a possible theory, JMO, MOO

This was very interesting reading about the history of the Old Monarch Pass Road. I didn’t realize it crosses over the Continental Divide! I like your theory too @Puzzles8. If he could get up there undetected via ATV or dirt bike there are surely some very steep areas where he could have thrown her body off into an inaccessible area. Now I get why so many of you keep saying you think she is in the Monarch Pass area...and that she won’t ever be found. It’s a very discouraging reality check but thank you for sharing this!

 

[Boxer]

I know I’m overthinking it, but I am left wondering under what circumstances the FBI will accept a request to assist with and provide resources to a local investigation. There are so many missing persons out there. Basically, what about this case was compelling enough for them to dedicate resources?

Good thinking.
One reason is Sheriff Spezze was on the Denver Police force, and MOO he knows the FBI through his narcotics work there.
About Sheriff John Spezze - Chaffee County Sheriff

 

[swedeheart]

I am beginning to become more interested in Monarch Pass and the area around it because of the power line cut and it's potential accessibility to ATV's.

We might be overthinking what BM did with SM's remains. Using K.I.S.S. thinking, I think he took SM, by ATV to (Monarch Pass) where he threw her over the edge.

SM could have been already deceased or she might have died from the fall. In either case she would probably fall far into an inaccessible area of very difficult and steep terrain. There are also dirt roads in the area where older versions of Monarch Pass are.
Old, Old Monarch Pass - Monarch Mountain



Assuming the ATV had no GPS and no phones along, that might explain why LE doesn't know where SM is.

Just a possible theory, JMO, MOO

Good theory!

It bugs me that BM went so hard with the mountain lion theory, so that's why I am so sure she's closer to home, as opposed to on the way to Broomfield. IF she had been found in the immediate area, in those first few days or weeks, her final resting place needed to align with his theories. (ML dragged her up the hill, she hit her head and wandered off, etc).

And I still think he would never have left with her in a vehicle due to the possibility of being caught on camera or GPS. An ATV, on the other hand, would not look as suspicious. He could have easily said he was hanging trail cams, hunting, or even doing yard work, if he was seen on adjacent or nearby land with an ATV.

The only thing about dropping her over the edge like that would be buzzards. But maybe LE were so focused on her bike and the item, and investigating the PP property, they weren't looking at MP area quickly enough, and the buzzards came and went. This could also explain why he (possibly) planted the bike and item, though. To keep attention right there at the house long enough for any wildlife scavengers to do their job and move on.

 

[oviedo]

I’ve been following a few recent cases and know the most dangerous time is when attempting to Leave a relationship- unfortunately we see this over and over and I’m left wondering again ... what was the status of this relationship?
Sigh..
JMO

 

[MrsWatson]

The following is MOO.

I think it's a bit misleading to compare Beverly England's case to Suzanne's. Other than both being women who went missing in CO, there aren't a whole lot of similarities. Also, the original pathologist categorizing BE's remains to be a pioneer woman, pretty sure something like that would just not happen these days. Forensic technology has become much more precise.

I have always been on board the K.I.S.S. boat. BM is an outdoors man. I don't see him as being a big detail type guy. He had the vast, unforgiving terrain of CO to work with, along with his knowledge as a landscaper. I do not see him as being a very creative type, taking into consideration the absolutely generic landscaping he did for the Puma Path house. I just don't see BM doing anything real complicated, thinking far outside the box. He's also not a professional criminal, he's a guy who likely murdered his wife. So, the simple solution to the problem of what to do with Suzanne is probably the most likely. He had a lot of tools at his disposal to make it happen, including all that wilderness.

At this point, I think if Suzanne's remains are found, it will be an accident. Someone out hiking, or hunting, or stops to pee on an ATV. But I don't think she is going to be found. I posted about this a while back, but I think it bears reiterating: Some of Ted Bundy's CO victims have still not been found to this day, even with Bundy highlighting areas where he disposed of them and extensive searches. And Bundy was not an outdoorsy type of guy, nor had he spent a lot of time in CO.

I agree that BM likely thought that through his position as a FF would make him above suspicion. I think he was shocked and angry when it didn't play out that way, and it makes me very curious as to how his three thirty hours of interviews went. I think there was something that indicated immediately this was not someone who had an accident on a bike ride. His position with the FFs may have even worked against him; what if one of his buds heard him talk about SM in a disparaging way or make light of DV or something along those lines?

I also wonder about the quasi- militia group in the area; while I don't think it had any bearing on Suzanne's disappearance, I do wonder if loyalties come into play somewhere. I am not implying BM was involved in any of that, but it's something that makes me think and consider that this is a very small area, population-wise. Lots going on in the background, perhaps?

I'm very hopeful the incoming DA determines there is enough evidence to prosecute the case. I have these dark thoughts that while many of us are eagerly awaiting an arrest announcement soon after she takes office, we hear nothing other than a statement that says she's working with LE on the case.

MOO