Story perspectives

Judge Raises Barry Morphew’s Bond to $10 Million

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Alamosa County District Judge Amanda Hopkins raised Barry Morphew’s cash bond to $10 million.
Prosecutor Fred Johnson argued the Aug. 26 Denver hit-and-run indicated Morphew might flee the country.
GPS data showed Morphew visited Denver airport and Cherry Creek despite home-stay restrictions.
Morphew, who pleaded not guilty, faces a first-degree murder trial next summer.
Colorado funds his defense through the Alternate Defense Council because he is indigent.

History

Historical Context

After the 1963 Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision in Gideon v. Wainwright, authored by Justice Hugo Black, Colorado was required to provide counsel to indigent defendant Clarence Earl Gideon. The ruling echoes the biblical Gideon’s triumph with just 300 men against overwhelming odds, a motif long used to symbolize a small force securing fundamental rights.

1 of 2

Story summary

Alamosa County District Judge Amanda Hopkins raised Barry Morphew’s cash bond to $10 million.
Prosecutor Fred Johnson argued the Aug. 26 Denver hit-and-run indicated Morphew might flee the country.
GPS data showed Morphew visited Denver airport and Cherry Creek despite home-stay restrictions.
Morphew, who pleaded not guilty, faces a first-degree murder trial next summer.
Colorado funds his defense through the Alternate Defense Council because he is indigent.

1 / 2