By Vince Phillips
Salida, Colo. — On Mother’s Day weekend, a small but determined group gathered in the Salida area to remember Suzanne Morphew, six years after she disappeared on May 10, 2020.
The Case: A Mother’s Day Disappearance
Suzanne Morphew, 49, was last seen at the family home in Maysville on Mother’s Day morning in 2020. Her husband, Barry Morphew, told authorities she had left early for a bike ride. Her mountain bike and helmet were later found abandoned off County Road 225 with no signs of a crash or struggle. Suzanne was never heard from again. Barry Morphew was arrested in May 2021 and charged with first-degree murder after deliberation, along with evidence tampering and attempting to influence a public servant.
Those charges were dismissed without prejudice in April 2022 ahead of trial. In September 2023, Suzanne’s remains were discovered in a shallow grave near Moffat in Saguache County during a search connected to another missing-person case. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation confirmed her identity, and an autopsy ruled her death a homicide. Traces of a powerful wildlife tranquilizer mixture were later found in her remains.
In June 2025, a grand jury re-indicted Barry Morphew on first-degree murder. He was extradited from Arizona and pleaded not guilty. His jury trial is now scheduled to begin October 13, 2026, in the 12th Judicial District Court in Alamosa. The trial, prosecuted by District Attorney Anne Kelly, is expected to last up to six weeks. Suzanne and Barry had been married for 25 years and shared two adult daughters, Mallory and Macy.
Memorial Gathering May 9–10, 2026
This weekend, friends and supporters came together to honor Suzanne’s life and keep her memory alive as the October trial approaches. Though the turnout was modest in a community of more than 5,000, those who attended shared stories, offered prayers, and expressed hope for justice. Attendees were given packets of Forget-Me-Not seeds, a quiet, fitting tribute to a woman whose gentle spirit touched so many.
Supporters gather at Sunday’s memorial for 𝓕𝓸𝓻𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓻 𝓲𝓷 𝓸𝓾𝓻 𝓱𝓮𝓪𝓻𝓽𝓼 Suzanne Morphew (left to right)
Jennifer, Denise, Tisha, Patti and Annette
As one traditional verse reminds us: “Forget me not when I am gone, in hearts and prayers I will live on.” The gathering served as a reminder that while court proceedings continue this fall, Suzanne’s community remains committed to ensuring she is never forgotten.
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