A Colorado woman claims the driver who struck her car and fled the scene is Barry Morphew, who is awaiting trial for the murder of his wife, Suzanne Morphew. The incident occurred in Denver approximately three weeks before Morphew’s scheduled July 2027 trial.
The woman, identified only as Christina, told CBS News she was sitting in her car outside a Denver CVS on August 26 when a pickup truck hit her vehicle. She stated the driver refused to provide identification or insurance details and fled after she said she was calling the police. Christina later sent a video of the confrontation to her mother, who recognized the driver as Barry Morphew.
"I almost, I almost passed out because that's literally him," Christina told the outlet. "Before I even knew who he was, I was like, I just want this man off the road because he is obviously very aggressive and cannot contain his anger."
Sources close to the Morphew family are reportedly certain it was him in the footage. Further investigation by CBS uncovered that the license plate visible on the truck matches the plate number linked to Morphew’s pending murder case.
Denver police have not yet confirmed Morphew was the driver. However, following the alleged hit-and-run, District Court Judge Amanda Hopkins ordered Morphew into full-time house arrest, citing a violation of his conditional release terms.
"During the interaction, a person who is very clearly the Defendant refused to provide his name or identification and indicated that he does not have insurance," the court order stated. "Until further order of the Court, the Defendant shall remain in his home at all times, no exceptions."
The alleged sighting took place near East 8th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. Christina reported that the driver attempted to give her $300 cash and stated he did not have insurance. The driver then fled the scene, reportedly driving over a curb before speeding away.
Christina’s mother recognized Morphew from the video, and Christina subsequently searched for his booking photo, stating she was shocked by the resemblance.
CBS Colorado reviewed the hit-and-run footage and identified the Ford truck as having Indiana plate F397FR, the exact plate number tied to Morphew in his murder case. Prosecutors have previously used license plate readers to track Morphew’s movements, alleging vehicles with that plate traveled across several states.
Surveillance footage collected during the investigation into Suzanne Morphew’s disappearance also reportedly shows Barry Morphew exiting a dark-colored pickup truck similar to the one captured in Christina's video.
Morphew, 58, is charged with the murder of his wife, Suzanne, who was found dead in a field in September 2023, more than three years after she vanished from their Maysville home on Mother’s Day 2020. He pleaded not guilty in January to first-degree murder. His original 2021 case was dismissed after prosecutors struggled with court deadlines while Suzanne’s body remained missing.
Morphew remains free on a $3 million bond. His bond conditions restrict his movements, requiring GPS monitoring and limiting his ability to leave home except for medical emergencies, doctor's appointments, legal matters, or work. He has surrendered his passport, is barred from leaving Colorado, and can only drive vehicles registered in his name.
Judge Hopkins ordered Morphew’s GPS monitoring report and information regarding his whereabouts at the time of the alleged hit-and-run be submitted immediately. A hearing is expected to address the alleged bond violation.
Suzanne Morphew was first reported missing on May 10, 2020. Police found her bicycle hours later near the family home. Her remains were discovered in 2023. Investigators have explored evidence including tranquilizer darts and texts indicating marital discord. Morphew’s daughters have publicly supported their father throughout the legal proceedings.