Brad Simpson, the husband of missing Texas realtor Suzanne Simpson, has been accused of killing her. Additionally, his long-time business partner, James “Val” Cotter, has been charged in the investigation. Cotter was indicted on charges of tampering with evidence and possession of prohibited weapons. The indictment alleges that Cotter hid Simpson’s gun after receiving messages from Simpson that seemed urgent and alarming. Cotter concealed Simpson’s AK-47, which was modified into a machine gun, in the wall of his home.
Cotter’s arrest was made on Oct. 21, and he was charged with tampering with evidence and possessing a prohibited weapon. He was later released on bond, with conditions including no contact with Brad Simpson and no possession of a firearm. Authorities have stated that Cotter’s case is related to the investigation of Suzanne Simpson’s disappearance on Oct. 6. While Suzanne’s body has not been found, authorities believe that Brad Simpson caused her death intentionally and knowingly on that day. There were reported instances of domestic violence witnessed by a neighbor and their young child.
On Nov. 7, Brad was charged with Suzanne’s murder. Further charges were added on Dec. 3 when a grand jury indicted Simpson on multiple counts including murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, tampering with a corpse, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a prohibited weapon. Suzanne’s DNA was found on a reciprocating saw that Simpson was accused of hiding. The indictments stated that Simpson concealed the saw and altered a human corpse with the intent to impair its availability in a subsequent investigation.
The indictments also refer to incidents on Oct. 7 and Oct. 8 where Simpson allegedly altered, destroyed, and concealed evidence related to his wife’s disappearance in order to impede the investigation. Authorities have not found any evidence to suggest that Suzanne is alive since the reported assault by Brad on Oct. 6. Her whereabouts have been determined through cellphone records, financial records, and accounts from family, friends, and coworkers. Brad Simpson remains in custody, pending trial for the various charges related to Suzanne’s disappearance and alleged murder.
The text messages exchanged between Brad Simpson and James Cotter have been a key piece of evidence in the case. Simpson’s urgent messages and Cotter’s responses indicate a sense of urgency and need for assistance. The fact that Cotter hid Simpson’s gun after these communications raises suspicions of potential involvement or knowledge of the crime. The use of a prohibited weapon, along with the allegations of tampering with evidence and a human corpse, paint a bleak picture of the events surrounding Suzanne Simpson’s disappearance and likely death.
The investigation into Suzanne Simpson’s disappearance has been complex and ongoing. The charges brought against Brad Simpson and James Cotter shed light on the potential circumstances surrounding her disappearance. With the indictment of Simpson on multiple felony charges, including murder and tampering with evidence, it is clear that authorities are building a case against him. The involvement of Cotter, as his long-time business partner, adds another layer of complexity to the case. As the judicial process unfolds, more information may come to light regarding the events leading to Suzanne Simpson’s disappearance and the role played by those accused in her case.
