Deer tranquilizer found in Suzanne Morphew’s remains links husband: prosecutors

The investigation into the disappearance of Suzanne Morphew seemed to hit a roadblock after Barry Morphew’s murder charge was dismissed in 2022. However, recent developments have reignited the case, with prosecutors claiming to have found a rare chemical compound in Suzanne’s body that directly implicates Barry in her death.

Barry Morphew was arrested in Arizona on June 20, following a grand jury indictment for the alleged murder of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, who went missing on Mother’s Day in 2020. The couple lived near Salida, Colorado, and Suzanne’s body was discovered in September 2023 during a search in Saguache County.

The grand jury indictment states that Suzanne’s bones were found \”significantly bleached\” when her remains were uncovered, and an autopsy revealed the presence of a deer tranquilizer called \”BAM\” in her bone marrow. This tranquilizer is a combination of butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine, and court documents suggest that Barry Morphew used it to transport deer on his farm in Indiana.

It was revealed that Barry was the only individual in the region with a prescription for the BAM tranquilizer, making him the prime suspect in Suzanne’s death. Despite these findings, Barry maintains his innocence, with his attorney stating that the government’s pursuit of evidence is based on a predetermined conclusion.

Legal experts believe that the discovery of the tranquilizer in Suzanne’s body strengthens the case against Barry. The compound is highly regulated and rarely used on humans, indicating a direct link to Barry. However, they caution that the prosecution still faces challenges due to the circumstantial nature of the evidence and limitations on expert witnesses.

While the case against Barry Morphew may not be a slam dunk, the revelation of the deer tranquilizer in Suzanne’s body has shifted the focus back on him as the primary suspect in her death. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and prosecutors are working diligently to build a strong case against him.

The saga of Suzanne Morphew’s disappearance and subsequent discovery of her remains continues to unfold, shedding light on a complex and tragic story that has captivated the nation. As the investigation progresses, more details are expected to emerge, providing closure to Suzanne’s family and justice for her untimely death.