Former prosecutor discusses the challenges of prosecuting San Antonio murder case without a body

SAN ANTONIO – The husband of missing Olmos Park woman Suzanne Simpson has been charged with murder, even though authorities have not yet located her body.

Brad Simpson, 44, was charged with the crime last week, raising questions about how prosecutors will proceed in a case where such a crucial piece of evidence is still missing.

Former Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood explained the complexities of prosecuting a murder case without the victim’s body.

“This is not a very common situation,” LaHood said. “Usually there’s a body. Before you accuse someone of murder, you have to establish that a murder actually occurred, and then you have to link that murder to the suspect.”

Despite the lack of a body, LaHood believes the prosecution will rely on circumstantial evidence, such as testimony and financial records, to build its case against Brad Simpson.

“The time frame in which this allegation is made is particularly intriguing,” LaHood said. “It seems like there’s only a short period of time to prove the case, but maybe they have something more that they’re going to connect. There’s no smoking gun – literally or figuratively.”

The investigation is ongoing and the search for Suzanne Simpson, 42, continues.

In addition to Brad Simpson, James Cotter, a business associate of Brad, was arrested last week on charges of tampering with evidence and illegal possession of a weapon.

Cotter was released last Friday on a reduced bond of $100,000.

LaHood emphasized that although Cotter has been released, all evidence will be taken into account as the case develops.

Even if Suzanne Simpson’s body is found, LaHood warned, that alone would not automatically lead to a conviction.

“Finding the body would certainly strengthen the prosecution’s case,” he said. “But it is important to remember that circumstantial evidence still plays a role in strengthening the direct evidence, whether that comes from a witness or from the body that is found.”

Currently, there is no set date for when the case will go to trial, and no new information has emerged regarding Suzanne Simpson’s whereabouts.

Authorities have vowed to continue their search and updates will be provided as they become available.