Barry Morphew, who faces a first-degree murder indictment in connection with the death of his wife, Suzanne Morphew, had his bond increased to $10 million cash following an alleged hit-and-run incident. The bond hike was ordered by Alamosa County District Judge Amanda Hopkins on Tuesday.
Prosecutors had argued that Morphew is a flight risk and could leave the country, a concern amplified by the Aug. 26 incident. According to court documents, the incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. when an individual observed Morphew driving aggressively before striking two vehicles. Witnesses reported Morphew refused to provide his name or identification to the other driver and indicated he did not have insurance.
Officials stated that Morphew offered the other driver $300 for the damage to her car, an offer she refused. He was then seen on video attempting to buff scratches on the vehicle with a T-shirt and his hand. When the other driver indicated she intended to contact the police, Morphew allegedly fled the scene, nearly striking another person and mounting a curb.
Morphew was arrested by Boulder County sheriff's deputies on Sept. 3 for the incident and remains in custody. At the time of the alleged hit-and-run, prosecutors stated he was on his way to pick up his daughter from the airport.
The conditions of Morphew's original bond included restrictions on travel outside his home, allowing exceptions only for work or medical emergencies, and mandated GPS monitoring. Judge Hopkins stated that Morphew has repeatedly shown disregard for court orders when they inconvenience him.
Morphew's lawyers contended that he is not a flight risk, pointing to the fact that he had not fled in the five years since his wife's disappearance and that the recent accusation does not warrant an increased bond.
Suzanne Morphew, a mother of two, vanished on Mother's Day 2020 in Colorado. Barry Morphew was indicted by a grand jury on June 20, 2025, on a charge of first-degree murder after deliberation. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge. Prosecutors have alleged that chemicals, including butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine, were found in Suzanne Morphew's bone marrow, and that Barry Morphew had access to these substances through a prescription for a deer tranquilizer known as "BAM," which he reportedly used on his former farm in Indiana. According to the indictment, Morphew was the only private citizen in that area of Colorado with access to BAM at the time of his wife's disappearance. Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the National Park Service were the only other entities with access to the compound in surrounding counties.