The Tragic Disappearance of Suzanne Simpson: A Case That Shook the Community
On October 6, 2024, the quiet, affluent neighborhood of Olmos Park in San Antonio, Texas, was shaken by the disappearance of Suzanne Simpson, a 51-year-old real estate agent and mother of four. Suzanne’s disappearance followed a reported altercation with her husband, Brad Simpson, outside their home. Over five months later, the case remains unresolved, with Suzanne’s body still missing and her husband facing serious charges, including murder. The ongoing investigation has revealed a troubling sequence of events, leaving the community in shock and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding her vanishing.
The Night of the Disappearance: A Timeline of Disturbing Events
The evening of Suzanne’s disappearance began at an exclusive club in Alamo Heights, where the Simpsons attended a party with their 5-year-old daughter. Witnesses reported a verbal altercation between the couple at the event. Following the party, Suzanne and her daughter left and were captured on surveillance footage at a local H-E-B grocery store between 8:40 p.m. and 8:51 p.m. They returned home shortly after. Later that night, Suzanne called a family friend to say she was on her way to visit, and in another call to her mother, she alleged that Brad had assaulted her, injuring her arm, back, and neck.
Around 9:25 p.m., Suzanne arrived at the family friend’s house, but the evening took a darker turn. A neighbor reported seeing Suzanne and Brad arguing loudly and physically struggling in front of his home. The neighbor observed Suzanne trying to free herself from Brad’s grasp and later heard screams coming from a nearby wooded area. Approximately an hour after the fight, the neighbor saw Brad’s truck leave and return about an hour later. These events marked the last known sightings of Suzanne Simpson.
Evidence Against Brad Simpson: A Chilling Trail of Clues
The following morning, surveillance footage captured Brad at a San Antonio H-E-B, where his truck was seen with a large ice chest. Later, in Kendall County, Brad purchased food at a drive-thru, and cameras recorded items in his truck, including three white trash bags, a heavy-duty trash can, an ice chest, and a bulky object wrapped in a blue tarp secured with a firewood rack. These items, along with purchases from a Home Depot—such as cement, a construction bucket, trash bags, disinfectant spray, and insect repellent—have raised suspicions about Brad’s activities in the hours after Suzanne’s disappearance.
Brad was also seen asking for directions to a nearby dump and was later spotted washing his truck at a car wash, where he cleaned both the front and rear passenger side. Meanwhile, Suzanne’s DNA was found on a reciprocating saw in Brad’s possession, a discovery that has become a critical piece of evidence in the case. Texas Rangers found additional evidence during a search of Brad’s property, including a burn site with a burnt laptop and cellular devices, and his truck had stains that tested positive for blood, later confirmed to be his own.
The Legal Battle: Brad Simpson’s Charges and Defense
Brad Simpson was arrested on October 9, 2024, and charged with murder, tampering with evidence, aggravated assault, and prohibited weapons possession. His friend and business partner, James “Val” Cotter, was also charged with tampering with evidence and weapons offenses. Cotter has since been released on bond, while Brad remains in jail with a $3 million bond and a federal hold related to the weapons charge.
During a February 2024 hearing, both the prosecution and defense agreed that they needed more time to review the evidence, delaying Brad’s court appearance. His attorney has not commented publicly on the case. The Texas Rangers and prosecutors are still analyzing data and awaiting additional evidence, indicating that the investigation is ongoing and complex. The case has drawn widespread attention due to its disturbing nature and the wealth of physical evidence pointing to Brad’s involvement.
Suzanne Simpson’s Legacy and the Ongoing Fight for Justice
Suzanne Simpson’s disappearance and suspected murder have left her family, friends, and the broader community in grief. Her daughter, who expressed that her father “took my mother’s life,” has been particularly affected by the loss. Suzanne’s colleagues and acquaintances remember her as a dedicated professional and loving parent, making her disappearance all the more tragic.
As the legal proceedings continue, the focus remains on uncovering the truth and securing justice for Suzanne. The case serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of domestic violence and the importance of supporting victims and their families. While the evidence against Brad Simpson appears substantial, the absence of Suzanne’s body and the ongoing investigation leave many questions unanswered. For now, the community waits with heavy hearts for resolution in this heartbreaking case.
