A Colorado resident is once again facing charges of murder after his wife succumbed to a deadly mix involving a wildlife tranquilizer.

Barry Morphew, through his lawyer David Beller, pleaded not guilty during his appearance in an Alamosa courtroom on January 12, as reported by the Associated Press.

Barry was taken into custody in June, accused of first-degree murder in connection with the death of his spouse, Suzanne Morphew, mirroring the charges he first encountered in 2021.

Suzanne vanished on Mother’s Day in 2020, prompting legal action against Barry before her remains were discovered three years afterward.

During Barry’s initial trial, the case was eventually thrown out due to the prosecution’s repeated failure to provide the defense with necessary evidence, resulting in his release.

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.