Barry Morphew's Bond Raised to $10 Million After Alleged Hit-and-Run
Suspected wife killer Barry Morphew was taken back into custody after his bond was significantly increased following a Denver hit-and-run incident.
Barry Morphew, who is awaiting trial for the murder of his wife Suzanne, had his bond raised to $10 million cash after allegedly being involved in a hit-and-run crash in Denver on August 26. Morphew was initially out on a $3 million surety bond.
Morphew, 58, was arrested on September 3 in connection with the incident, which occurred outside a CVS. Prosecutors argued that the crash constituted a violation of his original bond conditions, leading Alamosa County District Judge Amanda Hopkins to increase his bail by $7 million on September 8. The new bond requires the full $10 million to be paid in cash, rather than being guaranteed by a bondsman.
Denver County Court records indicate Morphew faces charges of careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, failing to report an accident, driving without a license, and failure to display proof of insurance. He appeared in Denver County Court virtually on Tuesday for a scheduled plea hearing, which was postponed to October 30 due to the appointment of new defense counsel.
Morphew remains in custody as he has not yet posted the increased bond. Prosecutors stated that the alleged hit-and-run occurred during a trip to Denver International Airport on August 28, possibly to pick up his daughter. According to court filings, Morphew left his home around 10 a.m. and arrived at the airport at 11:45 a.m. before turning around. He then drove through an area with hotels and a mall before the alleged incident.
One alleged victim shared footage with KUSA and CBS News, claiming Morphew backed his pickup truck into her car. She further alleged that Morphew refused to provide identification or insurance information, offering $300 in cash instead and attempting to buff out scratches on her vehicle. The victim stated that Morphew fled the scene after she informed him she would call the police.
At the time of the August 26 incident, Morphew was on bond awaiting trial for the first-degree murder of his wife, Suzanne. Her remains were found in September 2023, more than three years after she vanished from their Maysville home on Mother's Day 2020. Morphew pleaded not guilty in January to the murder charge after his initial case in 2021 was withdrawn by prosecutors while Suzanne's body remained missing.
Morphew's original release terms included restrictions on travel outside his home except for specific reasons, GPS monitoring, surrendering his passport, and being barred from leaving Colorado. He was also only permitted to drive vehicles registered in his name.
During the September 8 hearing, prosecutor Fred Johnson argued that Morphew could easily have fled the country, prompting the bond increase. Morphew's attorney, Jane Fisher-Byrialsen, noted that he had not fled during the six years of legal proceedings related to his wife's death. However, Judge Hopkins cited the lack of a legitimate reason for Morphew's trip to the airport as a concern.
The new bond conditions prohibit Morphew from leaving the San Luis Valley without court permission and require him to wear a GPS monitor. He also may not leave his home except for court appearances or medical emergencies transported by ambulance.
Suzanne Morphew's remains were discovered in an area of southern Colorado known as 'The Boneyard.' Investigators reported finding traces of a drug cocktail used to tranquilize wildlife in her bone marrow, and prosecutors allege Morphew was the only person in the area authorized to use such chemicals, aside from wildlife officials.
Morphew was arrested and charged with his wife's murder in May 2021. His daughters, Mallory and Macy, have maintained their belief in his innocence. Morphew was arrested again in 2025 and charged with first-degree murder following the discovery of his wife's remains.