In a gripping legal twist, a Colorado man finds himself once again at the center of a murder investigation, charged for the second time with the murder of his wife. This time, the accusation revolves around a lethal cocktail of wildlife tranquilizers.

Barry Morphew, through his legal representative David Beller, entered a plea of not guilty during a court appearance in Alamosa on January 12, as reported by the Associated Press.

The charges against Barry have resurfaced following his initial arrest in June for the first-degree murder of his wife, Suzanne Morphew. This marks a reiteration of the very charges he faced back in 2021, which were initially prompted by Suzanne’s disappearance on Mother’s Day in 2020.

Years passed before Suzanne’s remains were discovered, but the absence of crucial evidence led to a dramatic turn in Barry’s first trial. The case was dismissed by the judge due to the prosecution’s failure to provide necessary evidence to the defense. Despite his temporary freedom, the original dismissal was labeled “without prejudice,” leaving the door open for future legal action.

During the first trial, Barry ultimately went free after a judge dismissed the case, citing the prosecution’s repeated failure to turn over evidence to the defense. 

The case’s dismissal was classified “without prejudice,” allowing the potential for charges to be filed again in the future. 

In 2023, Suzanne’s remains were discovered in a shallow grave during an unrelated search near Moffat, Colo.

Toxicology testing revealed three drugs primarily used in sedatives for wildlife hunting, known as “BAM,” were found in Suzanne’s bones, the AP reported. The coroner’s office determined the cause of death was “homicide by unspecified means.” 

A grand jury indicted Barry, leading to his arrest and the start of proceedings for a second trial. He posted bond and was released from custody, police revealed in September.

“Ultimately, the prescription records show that when Suzanne Morphew disappeared,” the indictment read in part, per the AP, “only one private citizen living in that entire area of the state had access to BAM: Barry Morphew.”

Suzanne and Barry’s two daughters, Macy Morphew and Mallory Morphew, have maintained their father’s innocence. 

“Federal, State and local law enforcement have never stopped working toward justice for Suzanne,” District Attorney Anne Kelly said in a statement last year, ABC News reported. “The Twelfth Judicial District Attorney’s Office stands in solidarity with Suzanne’s family and the citizens of Chaffee and Saguache Counties in pursuing the grand jury’s indictment.” 

Barry’s trial has been scheduled to start on Oct. 13.