Colorado Mom Suzanne Morphew's Autopsy Reveals Homicide by Wildlife Drug Intoxication, No Arrests Made

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An autopsy report released Monday by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has finally shed light on the mysterious death of Suzanne Morphew, a Colorado mom who vanished in May 2020. According to the autopsy conducted by the El Paso County coroner, Suzanne Morphew's death was classified as homicide caused by intoxication from drugs commonly used to sedate wildlife, with no physical trauma observed on her body.
Suzanne Morphew, 49, disappeared while on a bike ride near her home in Chaffee County. Her case remained cold until her remains were unexpectedly discovered last September in Moffat, Colorado, approximately 90 minutes south of her last known location. The remains were found during an unrelated investigation.
The autopsy identified the substances leading to her death as butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine—drugs typically marketed as a compounded injectable chemical immobilizer for wildlife. "These findings suggest a deeply troubling scenario behind Suzanne's disappearance and death," stated the autopsy report.
Her husband, Barry Morphew, who was previously charged with her murder in 2021, had those charges dropped just before his trial in April 2022 due to insufficient evidence. Since then, no new arrests have been made in connection with Suzanne's death.
"The investigative team assembled to work this case continues to follow the evidence and only the evidence as we seek justice for Suzanne's death," said CBI Director Chris Schaefer.
In a statement issued through their attorney, the Morphew family described the profound impact of the case on their lives, emphasizing the distress caused by the false accusations against Barry Morphew and the lack of closure. "The Morphews are left with more questions than answers and a lack of justice for Suzanne, the family, and the community," the statement read.
Adding to the complexity of the case, Suzanne Morphew's clothes and a weathered bullet were found alongside her remains. Barry Morphew and his daughters Macy and Mallory have publicly criticized the investigation's narrow focus and claimed that authorities have not provided information about whether the bullet or the clothing was tested for DNA evidence.
In May 2023, Barry Morphew and his daughters spoke out in an ABC News interview after filing a lawsuit against the prosecutors, accusing them of wrongful charges. "They've got tunnel vision and they looked at one person and they've got too much pride to say they're wrong and look somewhere else," Barry Morphew said. "I don't have anything to worry about. I've done nothing wrong."
The case continues to attract significant public interest, with many hoping that the new autopsy findings will lead to a breakthrough in the investigation. Meanwhile, the community and the Morphew family await justice for Suzanne, whose life was tragically cut short under mysterious and alarming circumstances.
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