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Ongoing Search for Missing Texas Mother as Investigation Deepens

The search for a missing mother from Texas has entered its third week, with the investigation focusing significantly on her husband and his business partner, both of whom have been arrested.

Suzanne Simpson, a 51-year-old mother of four, was last seen on the morning of October 7 outside her home in San Antonio. Neighbors reported witnessing an argument between her and her husband, Brad Simpson, prompting them to alert the police, as reported by NBC News affiliate WOAI.

A police report cited by WOAI noted that a neighbor witnessed what appeared to be a physical altercation, alleging that Brad Simpson was seen “grabbing her upper torso area to gain control of her body.” Following this incident, the neighbor heard screaming from a nearby wooded area and later observed Brad Simpson’s truck leaving the vicinity about an hour later.

Barbara Clark, Suzanne Simpson’s mother, spoke to WOAI, revealing her prior concerns about the couple’s relationship. She described an earlier physical altercation between Suzanne and Brad but expressed disbelief about the nature of their recent conflicts. “It wasn’t part of their life, or his behavior and I’ve known him a long time,” Clark stated. Attending a candlelight vigil, she conveyed her fear that her daughter may not be alive.

Brad Simpson was arrested on October 10 and is currently facing two charges related to family violence. His representation from the San Antonio Public Defender’s Office declined to comment regarding the ongoing case when approached by NBC News.

In an additional development, a federal complaint was lodged against Brad Simpson in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas the day following his arrest. He is accused of unlawfully possessing a short-barrel rifle, specifically a Grand Power Stribog SP9 A3, which was reportedly not registered in his name. This weapon was discovered during a search conducted at the Simpson residence on October 9 as part of the active investigation.

In a related case, James Vallee Cotter, a business partner of Brad Simpson, has also been taken into custody under allegations of tampering with evidence. The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed his arrest on Tuesday; however, details were not disclosed. Cotter’s bond has been set at $500,000, and he is subject to house arrest and is required to surrender his passport.

Authorities from the Olmos Park Police, alongside the state’s public safety department, are intensifying efforts to find Suzanne Simpson, conducting searches that include examining local landfills for any sign of her. Unfortunately, these searches have not yielded any evidence so far. “After conducting an extensive search consisting of digging and sifting through the municipal solid waste, no evidence was found,” a spokesperson from the Texas Department of Public Safety reported.

This evolving situation continues to draw public attention as the community rallies for updates on Suzanne Simpson’s case.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com

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