Denver Man Pleads Guilty In Hit-And-Run While Awaiting Murder Trial

Barry Morphew pleaded guilty to careless driving in a Denver hit-and-run case on Friday morning. The plea deal resulted in the dismissal of four additional charges. He will serve 60 days in jail, with restitution amounts to be determined later.

The incident occurred on Aug. 26. Authorities state Morphew drove aggressively before colliding with two vehicles. A judge noted that the driver of one car filmed the crash. The driver described a person who was very clearly the defendant as claiming he lacked insurance and refusing to identify himself. Morphew offered the driver $300 for damage to her car, but she rejected the offer.

Video footage shows Morphew attempting to buff scratches on one of the vehicles with his hand and a t-shirt. Officials report he fled the scene after learning police were en route. He subsequently drove over a curb and nearly struck a pedestrian. Prosecutors confirmed he did not report the incident to law enforcement at the time. He was arrested on Sept. 3.

A motion was filed after prosecutors reviewed GPS data from the device Morphew was wearing. Court records indicated he was ordered to remain at home, with exceptions for medical appointments, emergencies, legal meetings, court appearances, or work. Following the crash, a judge imposed stricter restrictions, barring him from leaving his home without exception.

Morphew faces a murder charge in the death of his wife, Suzanne. She vanished in Chaffee County six years ago. Her skeletal remains were discovered in 2023. Morphew was arrested in Arizona in 2025 in connection with her death. He is scheduled to go on trial in July 2027.