The autopsy results in the Suzanne Morphew case have been released. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation said on Monday that the coroner ruled Morphew’s cause of death as “homicide by undetermined means in the setting of butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine intoxication.”
The autopsy report was shared with the Morphew family as soon as the coroner received it.
According to the autopsy report, the drugs listed above are marketed as “a compound injectable chemical immobilizer for wildlife providing pharmacologically reversible analgesia, sedation, and immobilization.” They were able to determine these drugs, which are tranquilizers, were found in her bones.
Officials said that if more information becomes available the report may be amended.
Morphew went missing from Chaffee County in 2020. Her remains were discovered in September 2023 at an undisclosed location near Moffat in Saguache County by law enforcement who were investigating an unrelated case. CBI says that because she was found in the 12th Judicial District, they will continue to consult with district attorney Anne Kelly.
“The Colorado Bureau of Investigation and our law enforcement partners understand and appreciate the public interest surrounding this case,” said CBI Director Chris Schaefer. “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.”
As of now, no new arrests have been made in relation to her disappearance. Her husband, Barry Morphew, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in 2021 in connection with her disappearance, but charges were dropped in April 2022. Trial complications upended the case. However, 11th Judicial District Attorney Linda Stanley filed a motion to dismiss without prejudice. This means that prosecutors can refile charges in the future.
He has since filed a lawsuit against CBI and FBI investigators, Chaffee County, and the Chaffee County’s Sheriff’s Office. In the lawsuit, he’s seeking $15 million in damages, claiming he was wrongfully charged with Suzanne’s disappearance.
Morphew was first reported missing on May 10, 2020. She didn’t return home from a bike ride that evening. After an initial search, police found her bicycle. No other evidence of her whereabouts after May 10 have been uncovered.
Within the autopsy report, a forensic anthropology and forensic odontology exam was conducted to determine identification and cause of death. Aong with Morphew’s remains were found weathered and dirt covered clothing items, which are believed to be her bicycle clothes, and one “weathered bullet.” The report didn’t indicate the relation the bullet had to her remains.
Morphew was 52 years old.
No further information is being shared with the public, CBI said, as this case remains an active investigation.
Anyone with information about Morphew’s disappearance is encouraged to call the tip line at 719-312-7530 or email cdps_suzannemorphew_tipline@state.co.us.