Found Deceased CO - Suzanne Morphew, 49, did not return from bike ride, Chaffee County, 10 May 2020 #51

[swedeheart]

I thought the Tyler referred to was the Tyler Draper YT guy who managed to door--step BM and get that early interview with him -- which has become a benchmark bit of the case?

May be wrong -- TBH I have trouble telling the YT clique apart -- there seem to be quite a few of them and they seem to interact with each other pretty regularly.

I think you are referring to Tyson Draper. Tyler works behind the scenes on PE.

 

[Tumbleweed]

I haven’t had a chance to watch the Choir Practice yet but I’m intrigued by this part of the conversation where black cars & helicopters suddenly showed up. Does CBI have black helicopters? Sounds like a government “men in black” situation. Very strange. It makes me wonder once again if there is something else bigger going on tied to Suzanne disappearing. Has anyone watched Murder Mountain on Netflix? It gave me a shades of Chaffee County vibe.

It was Mike responding to a question about the most dangerous or craziest thing that happened to any of them where they had boots on the ground. He is the one who mentioned the helicopters and black vans swooping in, sorta laughing as he said it. Tyler is the guy who was actually on site during the encounter, and he just mentions black cars. My opinion is Mike was elaborating for effect, but it did sound to me that several vehicles suddenly showed up, perhaps giving the impression of something like a black ops situation. It is hard to know what actually occurred based on what was said. But whatever it was, it sounds like it was unexpected and surreal.

 

[K9Enzo]

Yeah, I don't know.

For me, I would like to see a local or someone else not connected to a YouTube channel confirm this. Some people are just excitable in general.

It's possible it was a news helicopter filming the volunteer search from overhead.

I'm just not sure as the listener what I'm supposed to take away from this experience, as stated on the PE episode?

I don't believe, at all, that this was BM with eyes from the sky and ground. I personally can't even entertain that.

I also don't believe that LE is protecting evidence or covering anything up - that these volunteer searchers were on the brink of a big discovery and were stopped just in time.

I do think that LE patience were probably running thin and had many resident complaints about the search and were moving it along. Maybe. IMO

To add to my post... OR it was LE honoring their commitment to AM to review evidence that the volunteers found and LE was on standby and responded. I just don't think it was this dramatic event as described. IMO

 

[darring21]

To add to my post... OR it was LE honoring their commitment to AM to review evidence that the volunteers found and LE was on standby and responded. I just don't think it was this dramatic event as described. IMO

Or the property owner called the cops because they were trespassing.

 

[Lilypad13]

It was Mike responding to a question about the most dangerous or craziest thing that happened to any of them where they had boots on the ground. He is the one who mentioned the helicopters and black vans swooping in, sorta laughing as he said it. Tyler is the guy who was actually on site during the encounter, and he just mentions black cars. My opinion is Mike was elaborating for effect, but it did sound to me that several vehicles suddenly showed up, perhaps giving the impression of something like a black ops situation. It is hard to know what actually occurred based on what was said. But whatever it was, it sounds like it was unexpected and surreal.

I just listened to that part for myself and Mike did say “black helicopters & dark vans” and maybe he was just exaggerating for effect but it sure sounds like he was serious. Then Tyler said lots and lots of cars started coming down the road and CBI jumped out and asked them what they were doing. I wonder which location they were trying to search...he said we were “down there” so maybe the beach site by the river? But Mike said it was a location where two dogs had hit on and if I am remembering correctly I don’t think they considered the dog’s interest at the beach site to be true hits. I want to say they called them passive hits or something like that but not full hits where the dog sits down. Again, I might not be remembering correctly but weren’t there two hits by two different cadaver dogs where those little trees were found? Maybe that’s where they were. I don’t think it was the Longhorn Ranch site only because it seems like it would be easy to see a lot of cars in that open area if CBI had it under surveillance. Maybe it was another site we don’t even know about?

It just seems very strange that CBI would put so many resources (multiple vehicles and helicopters and agents = $$$) into preventing one area from being searched. And black helicopters (sounded plural)? That’s seems like on a whole different level than the “grass roots” type of search organized by AM with the help of PE. Didn’t LE say they didn’t have the resources to conduct the search with AM so they decided to just assist? But they did say that if anything was found LE and CBI would be there as backup. Maybe CBI did think Suzanne’s remains were there and they thought someone was sneaking in to try and move her body? I am surprised we are just now hearing about this encounter. It sure sounds like something unusual was going on at that particular location.

Now I’m starting to wonder if there really were people following AWP in the woods and why they left so quickly. I haven’t listened to the whole thing yet because it’s very long so maybe Jared elaborated on this and gave more details about their search efforts. It’s very strange and interesting that not only did Mike bring it up but he brought in Tyler to give his perspective...almost like he wanted Tyler as a witness to back him up and to verify that this happened. And I am inclined to believe it did but why???

 

[Lilypad13]

Or the property owner called the cops because they were trespassing.

I wondered about that too especially at the river/beach site but that kind of response would be way out of proportion to a trespassing complaint wouldn’t it? Isn’t that a little overkill using CBI and multiple vehicles and helicopters to respond? LE has to manage their resources carefully and wouldn’t waste all that manpower unless there was a good reason. IMO

 

[tmar]

I take comfort in the wait.

Because for every day that we wait, so does the person that disappeared Suzanne. He’s sweating. He never knows when it’s gonna happen. Could be while he’s grilling, or in the dead of night while he’s sleeping, or it could be while he’s watching TV. A loud knock at the door, or maybe a battering ram. He has nowhere to go, he is surrounded. Detectives rush in and knock him out of his recliner. Off he goes to the police station in pink handcuffs.

A girl can dream while we wait.

jmo

steeltowngirl.
You have expressed the thoughts, many are thinking.
In another case here, the charged suspect died of a 'heart attack', having been free for years initially.
Stress may work here, as there is a 'controlling, bad tempered' individual, on the loose.
MOO.

 

[kittythehare]

I have to keep reminding myself that other than the satisfaction of jailing someone who deserves it, there is almost no upside to prematurely prosecuting this case without a body when it's been less than a year since her disappearance, whereas the downside risks are HUGE.

There are no second chances if there is enough reasonable doubt and BM walks free. They could literally find SM's body the day after BM is acquitted with a note in his handwriting that says "Oh Suzanne....I'm sorry I killed you" and there would be nothing they could do about it. Even a hung jury is a big risk to take as it allows the defense team to strengthen their case, while witnesses' memories fade. Other than the satisfaction of jailing someone who we think shouldn't be walking free and giving loved ones answers, there is really no reason to prosecute this case any time soon.

I don't characterize BM either as a stupid criminal (a la Leticia Stauch) or a mastermind, just somewhere in between. While BM certainly did a lot of things that are suspicious to us now in hindsight, he did make attempts to build an alibi, distance himself from the scene of her disappearance/crime, and most importantly, (if he did it), took full advantages of the remoteness, vast terrain, and hunting and landscaping knowledge to hide Suzanne's body very very well. That's why I still believe this was premeditated for a financial motive/pride precipitated by an imminent divorce or discussion of separation.

I think the things that have come back around to cast suspicion on him are because of his arrogance, not stupidity, which is usually the downfall of many murderers. In his arrogance, he never believed LE would look past the bike story and his alibi of working on a job far away on Mother's Day. I'm sure he certainly never believed that the co-workers he thought he had under his spell would disobey his instructions and tell some truths, talk to media and online vloggers and/or help LE against him. And I'm sure he never imagined the web of sleuths online that would ferret out his every move, including noticing obscure legal filings in Indiana or even a simple placing of the home on the market that would raise eyebrows. No way was he savvy enough to anticipate that, and few would be unless they're enmeshed in the true crime community.

So yeah. I'm going to be patient, and settle in for the long haul. It's still early enough that I think that LE's priority is finding SM rather than moving this to prosecution. And I will listen with interest if BM indeed has anything new to say on a new interview. There's always a little tidbit. Happy New Year everyone!

Fabulous post. My equilibrium has been restored.
Thank you fellow Kitty.
Respect.

 

[TIGER0822]

I am still on the fence about Friday vs Saturday, but still leaning towards Friday.
MG told LS that BM worked at the “beach” on Friday night, the beach referring to the riverfront area at the Salida dig site.
MG never said what time he worked there. Maybe this confirms that the loud machinery was, in fact, heard on Friday night by the neighbor?
MG’s job was to rake out the beach on Saturday.
MG said BM was acting anxious and nervous on Saturday morning.
MG’s workday was cut short by BM on Saturday.
BM said he was going home to make his wife happy.
MG’s friends told her BM was in Salida by himself on Saturday afternoon.
BM met JP in Salida Saturday afternoon and asked about his availability to work on the Broomfield job the next day.
The big question for all of us:
What was the contents of the last texts between SM and her BFF and when did they occur?
Could the first text from SM to BFF on Saturday morning be vague and not definitive as to who sent it? “Hi, can’t talk right now. I’ll get back to you later.” Maybe SM, maybe not.
Maybe the texts sent a little later were off; wrong sentence structure, spelling, tone etc. Hmmm, I don’t think that’s Suzanne.
LE knows the answer as far as last texts and when they were sent. BUT, do they positively know, without a doubt, who sent them?
So, still fence sitting.........

Good post! LE stated that SM was seen ‘later then previously thought’ (not very helpful as we don’t know when she was supposed to have been previously seen) yet this cryptic sentence makes me lean towards Saturday. However the job site noise and dig are intriguing. And what in the was he doing driving around and stopping by MG gate at 4am on Sunday morning? Isn’t it a little impolite to call people so early , and not to mention so very bizzare to drive to their house to do so. Oh Mr. BM, I believe you are guilty, so guilty.

 

[kittythehare]

Good post! LE stated that SM was seen ‘later then previously thought’ (not very helpful as we don’t know when she was supposed to have been previously seen) yet this cryptic sentence makes me lean towards Saturday. However the job site noise and dig are intriguing. And what in the was he doing driving around and stopping by MG gate at 4am on Sunday morning? Isn’t it a little impolite to call people so early , and not to mention so very bizzare to drive to their house to do so. Oh Mr. BM, I believe you are guilty, so guilty.

Yeah, like that was the most utterly weirdest and bizarre things ever!

 

[Seattle1]

Good post! LE stated that SM was seen ‘later then previously thought’ (not very helpful as we don’t know when she was supposed to have been previously seen) yet this cryptic sentence makes me lean towards Saturday. However the job site noise and dig are intriguing. And what in the was he doing driving around and stopping by MG gate at 4am on Sunday morning? Isn’t it a little impolite to call people so early , and not to mention so very bizzare to drive to their house to do so. Oh Mr. BM, I believe you are guilty, so guilty.

If I recall correctly, CBI made the statement that SM was believed seen later than believed. At the time of their statement, I think the last independent sighting of SM was reportedly on Thursday by her bike mechanic. I didn't think too much of this statement other than evidence confirming that SM was not incapacitated on Thursday.

I think BM's early contact with MG was to request she assemble a crew and head to Broomfield that day -- requesting they arrive no later than Sunday evening. The early hour does not surprise me because BM was accustomed to "commanding" his workforce. And always at his convenience....

MOO

 

[Momofthreeboys]

If I recall correctly, CBI made the statement that SM was believed seen later than believed. At the time of their statement, I think the last independent sighting of SM was reportedly on Thursday by her bike mechanic. I didn't think too much of this statement other than evidence confirming that SM was not incapacitated on Thursday.

I think BM's early contact with MG was to request she assemble a crew and head to Broomfield that day -- requesting they arrive no later than Sunday evening. The early hour does not surprise me because BM was accustomed to "commanding" his workforce. And always at his convenience....

MOO

Well we don’t know who is telling the truth and who is not. Barry’s workers were interviewed and we have no idea what they told LE so I take some things casually they were said by those people on social media. Barry said he left the house at 5 or 5:30 (I have heard both). I am more inclined to believe that than a social media post by a worker who “thinks” he was outside her building at 4. Way too easy to verify.

 

[fcavanaugh]

Soooo, in a BM is innocent but looks guilty due to hiding other crime/wrongdoing possibility- I’m trying to understand this.
Is the assumption that he did not make an immediate public MSM plea for his wife of 3 decades and mother of his children, nor participate in Andy’s search, nor organize his own public search, nor attend Suzanne’s vigils, and avoids all media like the plague, due to the fact he fears being exposed because he doesn’t have a legal work permit? If so, I’m sorry, but I don’t think fear of being exposed for not having a legal work permit, rises to the level of overriding the sheer panic and urgency of needing to find your wife, whose life hangs in the balance and the clock is ticking. Find your wife, deal with the stupid work permit situation later.

If it’s because he’s involved in more nefarious, criminal activities, just how serious are these activities?? And if exposed for being involved in more serious crimes, does the potential penalty for these crimes outweigh the value of Suzanne’s life? Since Colorado no longer has the Death Penalty, at worse if charged and convicted, the worse he’d be looking at is LWOP, is that correct? But he’d still have a life, Suzanne may lose hers, or already has. And since LE is going to focus on you being the Spouse and last person to see her alive, they’re likely to find out about your wrongdoings and criminal activities, especially with the FBI assisting, while trying to rule you out. Can’t get much past the FBI. Am I missing something here, because I’m not understanding this.

I hope what I’m trying to say makes sense, as my brain is just about mush right now.

IMHO

#FindSuzanne
#BringSuzanneHome
#JusticeForSuzanne

 

[Cindizzi]

In a BM is innocent but looks guilty due to hiding other crime/wrongdoing possibility. I’m trying to understand this. Is the assumption that he did not make an immediate public MSM plea for his wife of 3 decades and mother of his children, nor participate in Andy’s search, nor organize his own public search, nor attend Suzanne’s vigils, and avoids all media like the plague, due to the fact he fears being exposed because he doesn’t have legal work permit? If so, I don’t think that rises to the level of overriding the sheer panic and urgency of needing to find your wife whose life hangs in the balance and the clock is ticking. Find your wife, deal with the stupid work permit situation later.

If it’s because he’s involved in more nefarious, criminal activities, just how serious are these activities?? And if exposed for being involved in more serious crimes, does the potential penalty for these crimes outweigh the value of Suzanne’s life? Since Colorado no longer has the Death Penalty, at worse if charged and convicted, the worse he’d be be looking at is LWOP, is that correct? But he’d still have a life, Suzanne may lose hers, or already has. And since LE is going to focus on you being the Spouse and last person to see her alive, they’re likely to find out about your wrongdoings and criminal activities, especially with the FBI assisting, while ruling you out. Am I missing something here, because I’m not understanding this.

I hope what I’m trying to say makes sense, as my brain is just about mush right now.

IMHO

#FindSuzanne
#BringSuzanneHome
#JusticeForSuzanne

One small note regarding the death penalty in Colorado :

Our Governor signed the Bill to abolish it on March 23, 2020. He commuted the sentences of the 3 men on death row to LWOP the same day.

However, the DP can still apply to any crime committed BEFORE July 1, 2020.

After spending 65 years on this Earth and not really having a strong opinion either way on the DP, I found myself in favor of it when I read the AA in the Gannon Stauch case. That’s why I researched it. Not sure I still feel that way today...I feel it should be whatever would make the victim’s family life easier.

I don’t really see any DA pursuing it again in Colorado.
Just wanted to point out that It is still possible for someone to be sentenced to death for a capital crime committed before July 1, 2020..

JMO/MOO

 

[fcavanaugh]

One small note regarding the death penalty in Colorado :

Our Governor signed the Bill to abolish it on March 23, 2020. He commuted the sentences of the 3 men on death row to LWOP the same day.

However, the DP can still apply to any crime committed BEFORE July 1, 2020.

After spending 65 years on this Earth and not really having a strong opinion either way on the DP, I found myself in favor of it when I read the AA in the Gannon Stauch case. That’s why I researched it. Not sure I still feel that way today...I feel it should be whatever would make the victim’s family life easier.

I don’t really see any DA pursuing it again in Colorado.
Just wanted to point out that It is still possible for someone to be sentenced to death for a capital crime committed before July 1, 2020..

JMO/MOO

Oh OK thank you so much for pointing that out, I had remembered reading that CO abolished the DP effective July 1, 2020, but didn’t remember that it can still be applied to crimes committed prior to 7/1/20.

I followed Gannon’s case too, and that AA was absolutely gut wrenching and heartbreaking, caused me sleepless nights for months. Leticia S. is an evil monster. Sorry for O/T.

Thanks again Cindizzi


ETA: I agree with you on your thoughts about the DP, and on the bolded.
Changed LS initials to Leticia S., so as not to be confused with reporter LS-Lauren Scharf.

IMHO

#FindSuzanne
#BringSuzanneHome
#JusticeForSuzanne

 

[Cindizzi]

Oh OK thank you so much for pointing that out, I had remembered reading that CO abolished the DP July, 1, 2020, but didn’t remember that it can still be applied to crimes committed prior to 7/1/20.

I followed Gannon’s case too, and that AA was absolutely gut wrenching and heartbreaking, caused me sleepless nights for months. LS is an evil monster. Sorry for O/T.

Thanks again Cindizzi

IMHO

#FindSuzanne
#BringSuzanneHome
#JusticeForSuzanne

{{{{ hugs }}}}

 

[susiQ]

I have to keep reminding myself that other than the satisfaction of jailing someone who deserves it, there is almost no upside to prematurely prosecuting this case without a body when it's been less than a year since her disappearance, whereas the downside risks are HUGE.

There are no second chances if there is enough reasonable doubt and BM walks free. They could literally find SM's body the day after BM is acquitted with a note in his handwriting that says "Oh Suzanne....I'm sorry I killed you" and there would be nothing they could do about it. Even a hung jury is a big risk to take as it allows the defense team to strengthen their case, while witnesses' memories fade. Other than the satisfaction of jailing someone who we think shouldn't be walking free and giving loved ones answers, there is really no reason to prosecute this case any time soon.

I don't characterize BM either as a stupid criminal (a la Leticia Stauch) or a mastermind, just somewhere in between. While BM certainly did a lot of things that are suspicious to us now in hindsight, he did make attempts to build an alibi, distance himself from the scene of her disappearance/crime, and most importantly, (if he did it), took full advantages of the remoteness, vast terrain, and hunting and landscaping knowledge to hide Suzanne's body very very well. That's why I still believe this was premeditated for a financial motive/pride precipitated by an imminent divorce or discussion of separation.

I think the things that have come back around to cast suspicion on him are because of his arrogance, not stupidity, which is usually the downfall of many murderers. In his arrogance, he never believed LE would look past the bike story and his alibi of working on a job far away on Mother's Day. I'm sure he certainly never believed that the co-workers he thought he had under his spell would disobey his instructions and tell some truths, talk to media and online vloggers and/or help LE against him. And I'm sure he never imagined the web of sleuths online that would ferret out his every move, including noticing obscure legal filings in Indiana or even a simple placing of the home on the market that would raise eyebrows. No way was he savvy enough to anticipate that, and few would be unless they're enmeshed in the true crime community.

So yeah. I'm going to be patient, and settle in for the long haul. It's still early enough that I think that LE's priority is finding SM rather than moving this to prosecution. And I will listen with interest if BM indeed has anything new to say on a new interview. There's always a little tidbit. Happy New Year everyone!

Very much agree with this!

I think I can imagine how CM managed to get this interview. I can see him disarming BM, coming across as a dedicated former detective (which he absolutely is), in pursuit of the truth and nothing but the truth thereby getting BM to let his guard down. I can hear him say, “Barry, you’ve said people don’t know the truth, I want to give you the opportunity to tell your side of the story.”

I don’t think BM has a clue who he is dealing with. Also, with the passage of time, and numerous searches not having found SM and no arrest, BM in his arrogance may feel rather confident at the moment in his ability to persuade people of his innocence. Either that or he is going to go on a full on attack of CM because he resents PE’s involvement with AM and the search. You know, that “publicity stunt.” He must be aware that CM and MK were fully behind AM’s efforts to find SM and they knew how AM felt about him.

It will certainly be interesting to hear the questions CM has for him and how he responds, especially after having heard what little LS released of her interview with him. Unlike LS, CM has been solving cases for many years, likely by asking all the right questions. Having said that, maybe LS put some hard questions to him too, but we know she was not allowed by BM to disclose all that he told her. There was one question in particular that LS asked BM and he refused to answer that really disturbs me, “What were Suzanne’s last words to you?” Maybe Chris could put that to him again.

All JMHO.

 

[Lilypad13]

Speculation scenario and legal questions:

Let’s say someone has gotten in way over their head in some kind of illegal business operation with a gang/cartel/mafia type organization or even some corrupt individuals within a legitimate organization - or both - and this person does something really stupid such as ripping them off in some way by stealing money or over billing or exaggerating something they could or would do and didn’t keep their word...and they get caught but instead of hurting or killing this person they disappear and murder their spouse to punish and make an example out of the person or maybe to purposely frame this person. Or suppose this person’s spouse found out about what was going on and threatened to go to LE? If this person suspected that is what happened to their spouse would they be better off confessing everything to LE or just keeping their mouth shut and praying none of it would ever be linked to them? Of course if you were involved in something that nefarious and you told LE about the illegal business dealings and named names then you might be afraid they would come after you next or harm other family members potentially even your children. This person could even want to talk but be holding back out of fear or because of threats. They might be keeping the option open to tell all and rat people out only as a last resort if they are ever arrested for murdering their spouse. But so far no body, no crime is working in their favor.

Yep I know this sounds more like a movie or book than real life. The statistics and BM’s behavior point to a much simpler explanation that’s as old as time. But some of the discussion in earlier posts today and also thinking about the wording of BM’s 26 second plea got me thinking really way outside the box tonight. Plus I’m very tired and need to put myself to bed. But what a dilemma that would be for someone to find themselves in. If you dance with the devil you’re gonna get burned. Anyone who would make such horrible life choices that they would end up getting their spouse killed deserves to be punished along with the actual murderer but is there some kind of charge for actions causing someone to be murdered? Morally they would be just as guilty because they are responsible for why it happened even if they didn’t want it to happen, didn’t plan it or have anything to do with the actual act of murder. But would they still be charged with murder or in connection to the murder? Just curious.

***All of the above is MOO & Speculation***

 

[kittythehare]

Speculation scenario and legal questions:

Let’s say someone has gotten in way over their head in some kind of illegal business operation with a gang/cartel/mafia type organization or even some corrupt individuals within a legitimate organization - or both - and this person does something really stupid such as ripping them off in some way by stealing money or over billing or exaggerating something they could or would do and didn’t keep their word...and they get caught but instead of hurting or killing this person they disappear and murder their spouse to punish and make an example out of the person or maybe to purposely frame this person. Or suppose this person’s spouse found out about what was going on and threatened to go to LE? If this person suspected that is what happened to their spouse would they be better off confessing everything to LE or just keeping their mouth shut and praying none of it would ever be linked to them? Of course if you were involved in something that nefarious and you told LE about the illegal business dealings and named names then you might be afraid they would come after you next or harm other family members potentially even your children. This person could even want to talk but be holding back out of fear or because of threats. They might be keeping the option open to tell all and rat people out only as a last resort if they are ever arrested for murdering their spouse. But so far no body, no crime is working in their favor.

Yep I know this sounds more like a movie or book than real life. The statistics and BM’s behavior point to a much simpler explanation that’s as old as time. But some of the discussion in earlier posts today and also thinking about the wording of BM’s 26 second plea got me thinking really way outside the box tonight. Plus I’m very tired and need to put myself to bed. But what a dilemma that would be for someone to find themselves in. If you dance with the devil you’re gonna get burned. Anyone who would make such horrible life choices that they would end up getting their spouse killed deserves to be punished along with the actual murderer but is there some kind of charge for actions causing someone to be murdered? Morally they would be just as guilty because they are responsible for why it happened even if they didn’t want it to happen, didn’t plan it or have anything to do with the actual act of murder. But would they still be charged with murder or in connection to the murder? Just curious.

***All of the above is MOO & Speculation***

Yes. This has crossed my mind.. more than a few times, and in my dream they are bound together permanently... but it's the wildest of speculations on my part because I know nothing. More like a 'feel', like a wall surrounds...

 

[K9Enzo]

I think any interview BM decides to give will not be any match to the interrogations he has already been through on this case with his local LE, CBI & FBI.

IMO