Courtesy photo of Suzanne Morphew.
The Colorado Bureau of Investigation, and other agencies investigating the case of Suzanne Morphew have confirmed that the autopsy report of Suzanne is now complete. Her death has been determined to be “Homicide by undetermined means in the setting of butorphanol, azaperone, and medetomidine intoxication.”
“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.”
The “cocktail” of tranquilizers found in Morphew included butorphanol, commonly found in treatment for migraine headaches, and in different dosages as a general anesthesia. The second drug, azaperone is used to sedate wild animals — such as elephants and wild hogs. The third drug — medetomidine is prescribed in Canada — for dogs. Used together — the drugs would seem a potent and dangerous combination.
A combination of butorphanol-azaperone-medetomidine (BAM) was used to immobilize four captive caribou in Alaska, as reported in the April 2018 Journal of Wildlife Diseases. The drug combination has been used in other states, not just on caribou, but on white-tailed deer, reindeer and Rocky Mountain elk. The BAM combination can cause an abnormally low and life-threatening concentration of oxygen in the blood, known as hypoxemia.
Morphew disappeared on Mother’s Day nearly four years ago, and remains were found in a shallow grave near the town of Moffat in Saguache County seven months ago. Saguache County is in the 12th Judicial District. The investigative team will continue to consult with Twelfth Judicial District Attorney Anne Kelly.
The autopsy report was shared with the Morphew family as soon as the coroner received it. One year after her disappearance, 11th Judicial District Attorney Linda Stanley charged Morphew’s husband, Barry Morphew with murder. But during the course of pre-trial motions, the DA dropped the charges, saying on April 9, 2022 that to proceed they needed a body.
That body now exists. No arrests have been made.
The CBI says that at this time no further information can be shared and that this remains an active investigation. Ark Valley Voice has filed a public record request with Chaffee County Coroner Jeff Graff and when we receive it will share what we learn.
Those who may have information to share should contact the Morphew Tip Line Phone at 719-312-7530 or the Morphew Tip Line Email: cdps_suzannemorphew_tipline@state.co.us
This is a developing new story, and updates are possible.
This sounds pretty gruesome, and I don’t think it’s what any of us expected to hear. I will await further information before jumping to an outrageous conclusion, but this cocktail doesn’t sound good. Suzanne Morphew should be with us today, and it is incredibly sad for her daughters that she is not.