Suzanne Morphew, the Colorado mother who vanished during a bike ride in May 2020, was found to have died from homicide, as confirmed by an autopsy released by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.
The autopsy results revealed that Suzanne's death was caused by "Homicide by undetermined means in the setting of butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine intoxication." These substances are typically used as a compound injectable chemical immobilizer for wildlife, as stated in the El Paso County coroner's report. No signs of physical trauma were evident on her body at the time of death.
Barry Morphew, Suzanne's husband, faced murder charges in 2021, but they were dropped in April 2022, just before the trial was set to begin. No arrests have been made in connection with the case since then.
"The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and our law enforcement partners understand and acknowledge the public's interest in this case," said CBI Director Chris Schaefer. "The investigative team remains dedicated to following the evidence and seeking justice for Suzanne's death."
Suzanne's remains were discovered in September 2023 during an unrelated search in Moffat, Colorado, in Saguache County, approximately 90 minutes south of her Chaffee County home.
In a statement from their lawyer, the Morphew family expressed their sorrow over Suzanne's disappearance and the subsequent false accusations and prosecution of Barry Morphew. They had hoped for answers and justice, but are now left with more questions than before.
The autopsy also noted the discovery of a "weathered bullet" along with Suzanne's remains and clothing. Barry Morphew and their adult daughters, Macy and Mallory, criticized investigators for not informing them whether the bullet or the clothing had been tested for DNA evidence.
Barry Morphew and his daughters spoke with ABC News in May 2023 after filing a lawsuit against prosecutors, alleging wrongful charges. Barry maintained his innocence, stating, "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. I don't have anything to worry about. I've done nothing wrong."