CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo. — Tuesday marks the final day of Barry Morphew’s four-day preliminary hearing. Morphew is accused of killing his wife, Suzanne, on Mother’s Day weekend in 2020 in Chaffee County.
During a press conference in May 2021, Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze said that although no body has been recovered, his “belief is that Suzanne is not alive at this time.”
During a preliminary hearing the judge is tasked with finding a probable cause for the existing charges before moving forward with an arraignment and trial.
Morphew will be in court on Tuesday morning at 9 a.m.
So far, six witnesses have taken the stand including Commander Alex Walker with the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office and a former investigator for the 11th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, FBI Agent Kenneth Harris, former FBI Agent Johnny Grusing, CBI Agent Derek Graham, Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Andy Rohrich, and CBI Agent Kevin Koback.
To catch up on all the details revealed in court, review FOX21’s previous stories:
- Preliminary Hearing Day 3: ‘Did you ever find the journal? No’; Evidence discovered inside Suzanne Morphew’s home released
- Preliminary Hearing Day 2: “I’m done,” Texts between Suzanne and Barry Morphew reveal troubled marriage
- Preliminary Hearing Day 1: ‘Cannot live my life without you in it,’ messages reveal Suzanne Morphew had an affair before her disappearance
Morphew was arrested without incident on May 5 of 2021 and, since that day, has maintained his innocence.
Morphew faces seven charges:
- Murder in the first degree
- Tampering with a deceased human body
- Tampering with physical evidence
- Possession of a dangerous weapon – short rifle
- Attempt to influence a public servant
- Forgery of Public Records
- Misdemeanor Elections-mail ballot offense
Morphew is being held in the Chaffee County Jail without bond. His arrest papers have been sealed.
FOX21’s Lauren Scharf will live-tweet throughout Tuesday’s hearing. You can follow her updates by clicking here.
This article will be updated throughout the day.
