Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: ‘Swamp Mountain Jane Doe’ ID’d 49 Years Later | Crime Alert 6AM 09.23.25
Date: September 23, 2025
Host: Nancy Grace
Podcast by: iHeartPodcasts & CrimeOnline

Episode Overview

This episode of Crime Stories with Nancy Grace spotlights breaking crime news and underlines the ongoing commitment to solving unresolved criminal cases, with particular attention to missing persons and justice for victims. While the episode’s title references the identification of the “Swamp Mountain Jane Doe” after nearly five decades, today’s crime alert format pivots through top crime stories currently making headlines, including developments in the Suzanne Morphew homicide, a sweeping undercover operation against human trafficking in Florida, and the active search for missing mom Miranda Connor.

Key Discussion Points & Segments

1. Suzanne Morphew Homicide Case

Reported by: Nicole Parton
Time: [00:06 - 02:07]

• Background: Barry Morphew, husband of Suzanne Morphew, released from jail after posting bond while awaiting trial for Suzanne’s murder.
• Suzanne Morphew disappeared on Mother’s Day, 2020, in Maysville, Colorado. Her remains were discovered three years later during an unrelated investigation.
• Legal Developments:
  • Initial charges in 2021 were dropped two weeks before trial.
  • Recharged in 2023 after remains were found.
  • Bond of $3 million adjusted to allow cash surety or property bond; Barry Morphew released on Friday on house arrest.
  • Conditions: Must wear an ankle monitor, surrender passport, cannot consume alcohol or drugs.
• Evidence:
  • Autopsy (2024) determined Suzanne died by unspecified means; ruled homicide.
  • No clear trauma, but wildlife tranquilizer cocktail found in her bones.
  • Only Barry Morphew reportedly had access to this specific drug cocktail.

Notable Quote:
"Prosecutors allege that Barry, Suzanne's husband, was the only person in the region who had access to that tranquilizer cocktail that was found in her system post death."
– Nicole Parton, [01:55]

2. Polk County Human Trafficking & Prostitution Operation, Florida

Reported by: Nicole Parton & Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd
Time: [03:50 - 05:25]

• Key Results:

  • 249 suspects arrested during a week-long undercover human trafficking/illegal immigration operation.
  • Multi-agency effort with local, state, and federal law enforcement, including Homeland Security and ICE.
  • One suspect: a law enforcement recruit with access to vulnerable children.

• Breakdown of Charges:

  • 99: Soliciting prostitution
  • 111: Attempting to engage in prostitution
  • 10 victims of human trafficking provided support
  • 20: Prostitution-related charges (transporting a prostitute)
  • 15: Traveling to meet a minor
  • 219 Florida residents, others from 11 states and Puerto Rico

Memorable Moment/Quote:
"His job was to counsel at risk children. And at risk children are traditionally those that are the easiest and the most vulnerable to be groomed."
– Sheriff Grady Judd, [04:33]

3. Missing Mom: Miranda Connor Case, Colorado

Reported by: [Unnamed Correspondent]
Time: [05:25 - 06:31]

• Timeline:
  • Miranda Connor, stay-at-home mom of two, went missing on February 3 of this year.
  • Last seen: Picked up by Uber to meet someone in Federal Heights; phone last pinged at 4am near her last known location.
  • Her phone found abandoned; family and police suspect foul play.
• Physical Description:
  • Last seen wearing: Purple sweater, gray puffer jacket.
  • Notable tattoos: “OK” hand symbol (right forearm), Winnie the Pooh (left shoulder), tiger (left forearm)
• Reward: $2,000 for information.
• Contact Info: Denver PD (720-913-2000), Federal Heights PD (303-428-8833).

Notable Quotes & Highlights

• On Bond Conditions for Barry Morphew:
  “Barry must adhere to strict house arrest, surrender his passport and is prohibited from consuming alcohol or drugs. He also will be monitored with an ankle bracelet.”
  – Nicole Parton, [01:24]

• On Law Enforcement Implicated in Trafficking Sting:
  “The good news is we caught him soon when he was soliciting sex because otherwise, had he been able to keep his composure, he would have been a law enforcement officer.”
  – Sheriff Grady Judd, [04:20]

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Start Time | |------------------------------------|:--------------:| | Barry Morphew / Suzanne Morphew | 00:06 | | Polk County, FL Sting (Judd) | 03:50 | | Missing Mom Miranda Connor | 05:25 |

Episode Tone & Style

Nancy Grace’s signature tone—intense, detail-driven, and advocacy-focused—permeates the reporting, with rapid transitions through each story and a consistent call to action for listeners to stay informed or provide tips on ongoing cases. The episode maintains the urgency and community-oriented mission central to Grace’s style.

Summary

This episode showcases Nancy Grace's ongoing commitment to uncovering facts, seeking justice, and keeping missing and murdered persons in the public eye. From the update on the Suzanne Morphew case and the troubling revelations out of Florida’s recent trafficking sting, to the personal plea for clues in Miranda Connor’s disappearance, the podcast provides listeners with vital information and emphasizes public participation in solving these cases.