CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo. — Barry Morphew faced a Chaffee County Judge on Thursday morning for a first appearance. Morphew was arrested Wednesday in connection to the disappearance and murder of his wife, Suzanne. He is being held without bail.

Suzanne Morphew was reported missing on Mother’s Day Weekend of 2020. In a press conference held Wednesday by Chaffee County Sheriff John Spezze, it was noted that her body has not been recovered.

Throughout the months following Suzanne’s disappearance, Barry has maintained his innocence.

Barry Morphew sat next to his lawyer in court Thursday, masked, shackled, and dressed in an orange and white-striped jumpsuit. Judge Patrick Murphy advised him of the charges against him, which include first-degree murder, tampering with physical evidence, and an attempt to influence a public servant. Public servants are employed by government agencies and systems which include police officers, judges, firefighters, as well as jobs that keep the government operating such as accounting, finance, etc.

Chaffee County Fire Chief Robert Bertram would not give any comment on Thursday regarding the arrest of Barry, one of his volunteer firefighters.

Judge Murphy told Morphew he could speak with the two daughters he shares with Suzanne, providing that contact was “civil.”

Barry’s next-door neighbor, ironically also originally from Indiana told FOX21 News that he didn’t even know he lived next to Suzanne’s daughters and husband until he was arrested.

“I didn’t know Barry was Suzanne’s husband, so I was clueless. We’ve only lived here the last six months,” Chad Heeter said.

Heeter added that he had only spoken with Barry twice, and because of COVID, they didn’t bump into each other much.

“I just knew him as Barry, and again we didn’t have much interaction, so yea, shocked,” Heeter reacted. “He worked here in the neighborhood and worked on all of these homes behind here, which have been built in the last nine months, so he was busy working.”

For the past two nights, Heeter said they noticed more patrolling in the area but were only told it was part of an investigation. He felt safe living in Poncha Springs and next to Barry.

“Let the courts figure out the rest; I’m not going to hold any judgment,” Heeter added. “I never spoke with his daughters, and I have to say my heart goes out to his daughters and the rest of the family. I hope they find peace.”

Many hope the Morphew daughters are surrounded by love during this difficult time. They have not spoken publicly about their missing mom.

Morphew’s next court date has been set for May 27 at 4 p.m.

According to court documents, the affidavit could be made public as soon as Thursday. The court gave the defense counsel seven days to note their position regarding unsealing the affidavit.