Final Day of Morphew Hearing: No Trial Decision, Unknown Male DNA Analyzed
Authorities gathered in Chaffee County for the final day of the preliminary hearing for Barry Morphew, the man accused of murdering his wife, missing Colorado woman Suzanne Morphew, on Tuesday (Aug. 24).
Suzanne disappeared on May 10, 2020, after reportedly going for a bike ride and never coming home. Investigators believe that she is no longer alive, although they have not recovered her body.
After staying mum about the case for nearly a year, authorities arrested Barry this May. He is currently in the Chaffee County Detention Center, facing the following charges:
- Murder in the First Degree
- Tampering With a Deceased Human Body
- Tampering With Physical Evidence
- Possession of a Dangerous Weapon
- Attempt to Influence a Public Servant
- Forgery
- Misdemeanor - offenses relating to mail ballots
Monday's (Aug. 23) hearing analyzed evidence found during a search of the Morphew house, as well as details from the previous two hearings — including Barry's whereabouts on the day of Suzanne's disappearance, the state of the couple's marriage, and Suzanne's two-year affair with Jeff Libler, a man from her hometown in Indiana.
According to FOX21, the final day of the hearing focused on "unknown male DNA" that investigators found on Suzanne's bike, car cushion, and glove box. Reporter Lauren Sharf tweeted that the DNA partially matched samples from unsolved sexual assault cases in other states.
Scharf also noted Barry's behavior during the hearings, stating that he smiled at his daughters during court breaks. After speaking with his attorneys at the end of Tuesday's hearing, he reportedly rested his head on the defense table.
Judge Patrick Murphy will determine whether or not Barry's case will proceed to trial at 1:30 p.m. on September 17, when he will also decide whether or not to unseal the arrest affidavit.
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