Suzanne Simpson Murder Case: Husband’s Legal Battle Continues as Evidence Mounts

The disappearance of Suzanne Simpson, a 51-year-old Texas real estate agent and mother of four, continues to grip the San Antonio area more than five months after she vanished. While her body remains undiscovered, her husband, Brad Simpson, faces a murder charge, along with charges of tampering with evidence, aggravated assault, and prohibited weapons possession. The legal process is ongoing, with attorneys meticulously examining a substantial body of evidence as the case progresses.

Suzanne Simpson was last seen on October 6, 2024, following a reported altercation with her husband of 22 years at their residence in Olmos Park, a wealthy enclave within the San Antonio metropolitan area. Authorities believe that Brad Simpson "intentionally and knowingly caused the death" of Suzanne on or around that date, according to court documents.

Brad Simpson is scheduled to appear in court for a status hearing after a previous delay in February. During the February 12 hearing, both the prosecution and the defense acknowledged the need for more time to thoroughly review the discovery in the case. Prosecutors have indicated they are still analyzing data and awaiting additional evidence from the Texas Rangers.

The evening of Suzanne’s disappearance began with the Simpsons attending a party at The Argyle, a prestigious club in Alamo Heights, along with their 5-year-old daughter. Witnesses reportedly observed the couple engaging in a verbal dispute at the party, according to an arrest affidavit.

Around 8:30 p.m., Suzanne and her daughter left the party and visited an H-E-B grocery store in San Antonio between 8:40 p.m. and 8:51 p.m., as confirmed by surveillance footage obtained by law enforcement. They subsequently returned to their home.

Later that evening, Suzanne made a phone call to a family friend, informing them of her intention to stop by. She also contacted her mother, alleging that Brad had assaulted her, causing injuries to her arm, back, and neck, according to court records. She arrived at her family friend’s house at 9:25 p.m.

Approximately 35 minutes later, at 10 p.m., a neighbor of the family friend reported witnessing Brad and Suzanne engaged in a loud and physical altercation in front of his residence. The neighbor stated that Suzanne was attempting to escape Brad’s grasp as he tried to pull her downwards. The neighbor also observed Brad chasing after his wife and attempting to grab her. Following this, the neighbor heard screams emanating from the wooded area across from his home.

About an hour after witnessing the altercation, the same neighbor observed Brad’s truck leaving the area and then returning approximately an hour later.

The following morning, on October 7, surveillance footage from another San Antonio H-E-B grocery store captured Brad and his truck, which contained a large ice chest. Later that morning, he purchased food at a drive-thru in Kendall County, Texas. Camera footage revealed the presence of three white trash bags, a heavy-duty trash can, an ice chest, and a "large bulky item wrapped and secured in a blue tarp" held down by a firewood rack in the bed of Brad’s truck, according to the affidavit.

Shortly after the drive-thru visit, Brad allegedly purchased two bags of cement, a construction bucket, a box of heavy-duty trash bags, Clorox disinfectant spray, and insect repellent using cash at a nearby Home Depot. This information was obtained by police through cellphone data, surveillance footage, and a Home Depot receipt.

Prior to making the purchases, Brad reportedly asked an unidentified male in the parking lot for directions to the nearest dump in Boerne. It was noted that his cellphone was apparently turned off at the time.

At a gas station later that same morning, surveillance footage captured Brad’s truck, which was now missing the white trash bags. However, the blue tarp, firewood rack, and trash can were still present.

In the afternoon, after picking up his daughter from school, Brad was spotted on another surveillance camera "washing and cleaning the drive front side and the rear-left passenger side" of his truck at a car wash back in San Antonio.

Suzanne’s friend reported her missing on the evening of October 7. When police contacted Brad about his wife’s disappearance, he allegedly stated that he had not seen her since October 6, around 11 p.m.

On October 8, Brad exchanged text messages with his longtime friend and business partner, James "Val" Cotter, who is also facing charges in connection with the case. "If you’re in Bandera, can you haul a– to meet me at your house?" Simpson allegedly texted Cotter. "I don’t have much time."

In a subsequent text to Brad, Cotter wrote, "Get over here!! I won’t tell anyone" and "You’re my brother." Cotter has been charged with tampering with evidence with the intent to impair an investigation and possession of prohibited weapons in Suzanne’s disappearance. He posted bond in November 2024.

Authorities arrested Brad on October 9, 2024, and Cotter on October 21, 2024.

On October 9, Texas Rangers executed a search warrant on Brad’s property in Bandera County. During the search, they discovered a ground-level burn site containing a burnt laptop and multiple cellular devices. They also searched his truck and identified stains that tested "presumptively positive for blood," which were later confirmed to be Brad’s blood.

In December, Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzales announced that Brad had "concealed" a "reciprocating saw" two days after Suzanne’s disappearance. Authorities informed family members that Suzanne’s DNA had been identified on the saw.

Brad remains in Bexar County’s jail with bonds totaling $3 million and a federal hold by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives for the weapons charge. His attorney could not be reached for comment.

The investigation into Suzanne Simpson’s disappearance and suspected murder continues, with law enforcement and prosecutors diligently working to build a strong case against Brad Simpson and uncover the full truth behind this tragic event. The upcoming status hearing will provide an update on the progress of the case and the timeline for future proceedings.