A Colorado judge has raised the bond for murder suspect Barry Morphew following his recent arrest by Boulder County Sheriff’s deputies. Morphew’s bond has been increased from $3 million to $10 million, cash only.
During a court session, the judge emphasized Morphew’s potential to commit offenses while on bond. She expressed doubts about his respect for the court, indicating his non-compliance when it conflicts with his preferred lifestyle.
Morphew was detained in Boulder County on September 3 under an Alamosa County warrant for non-compliance. Deputies apprehended him without incident at around 9:11 p.m., and he was booked into the Boulder County Jail.
The arrest came shortly after prosecutors submitted a verified application requesting the court to issue a warrant and amend Morphew’s bond terms. On September 3, the judge approved the request, issuing a bench warrant and setting the bond at $3 million cash only, with nationwide extradition.
At the bond hearing on September 8, Morphew appeared in person, restrained, and wearing prison attire. The judge then elevated his bond to $10 million cash only. Following the hearing, deputies escorted him out of the courtroom.
Prosecutors, in their filing, revealed GPS data indicating Morphew left his home under a work exception on August 26. Instead, Morphew traveled to Denver International Airport. Prosecutors noted he wasn’t employed at the airport and speculated he might have gone to pick up his daughter. They contended this trip breached his release terms, highlighting him as an extreme flight risk.
The GPS tracking data showed Morphew journeyed from home to the airport at 10 a.m., arriving around 11:45 a.m., then departing. Additionally, it was disclosed during Tuesday’s court session that Morphew visited a steakhouse, Whole Foods, and a liquor store in Denver.
Further tracking data showed Morphew near hotels and a mall before reaching East 8th Avenue and Colorado Boulevard. This site is where Morphew was involved in a hit-and-run, initially reported by CBS Colorado. Video footage identified Morphew as the driver involved.
The footage displayed Morphew declining to offer identification or insurance information, proposing cash to another driver, and eventually departing. Newly filed court documents indicate prosecutors are scrutinizing his GPS data from that day as part of the investigation into his violation of release conditions.
Morphew is on trial for first-degree murder in the death of his wife, Suzanne Morphew. He has pleaded not guilty, denying all allegations against him.