The disappearance of Suzanne Simpson from her Olmos Park, Texas home has taken a dramatic turn with new charges filed against her husband, Brad Simpson, and his business partner, James Cotter. Initially under scrutiny for alleged assault and unlawful restraint related to a reported altercation with Suzanne before her disappearance, Brad and Cotter now face charges of evidence tampering and possession of a prohibited weapon.
This escalating legal battle began shortly after Suzanne’s disappearance on October 6th. Brad, described by police as “uncooperative” in the investigation, initially faced charges stemming from witness accounts of a physical altercation with his wife. The situation intensified when investigators uncovered a series of incriminating text messages between Brad and Cotter.
According to an arrest affidavit, just one day after reporting Suzanne missing, Brad texted Cotter, urging him to move undisclosed items, using expletives, and suggesting a rendezvous at Cotter’s residence in Bandera. Subsequent messages instructed Cotter to conceal a specific firearm, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and citing the mounting pressure from social media scrutiny.
The text messages led investigators to Cotter’s property, where they discovered the firearm, a rifle, hidden within a wall. The method of concealment, involving a string tied to the weapon’s sight for retrieval, further raised suspicions. This same rifle was identified in a video taken inside a vault at the Simpson home but was notably absent during a police search conducted on October 9th.
booking photos of James Cotter and Brad SimpsonBrad Simpson (right) and his business partner, James Cotter (left), face evidence tampering charges related to a hidden rifle. (Bexar County Sheriff’s Office/Kendall County Sheriff’s Office)
The evidence tampering charges add another layer to the legal challenges facing Brad Simpson. He is already facing federal gun charges related to a separate, illegally owned short-barreled rifle discovered during the search of his home. Federal prosecutors allege that this unregistered weapon violates federal firearms laws. The search also yielded other legally owned weapons and silencers, duly registered to Brad in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, a national database managed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF).
While out on bond for all charges, Brad has filed a motion requesting an amendment to his bond conditions. He seeks permission to have contact with his children, a request that underscores the complex personal dynamics intertwined with this ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, the search for Suzanne continues. Police have reported finding two unidentified “articles” in a wooded area near the couple’s Olmos Park home, but Suzanne’s whereabouts, as well as her phone, remain unknown. Local and state law enforcement agencies are collaborating in an extensive search effort, focusing on a San Antonio landfill, where they’ve been meticulously combing through the area for days.
This unregistered short-barreled rifle, a Grand Power Stribog SP9 A3, 9×19mm, was seized from Brad Simpson’s home. (U.S. District Court, Western District of Texas)
Adding to the public pressure surrounding this case, Brad’s brother has taken to social media, expressing his family’s anguish and frustration over Suzanne’s disappearance. He criticized Brad’s lack of cooperation with authorities, emphasizing the family’s willingness to assist in the investigation. He highlighted the devastating impact of this ordeal on their family and underscored the unacceptability of Brad’s uncooperative stance.
The investigation into Suzanne Simpson’s disappearance is ongoing. The mounting charges against Brad Simpson and James Cotter, coupled with the ongoing search efforts and the public outcry from family members, paint a picture of a complex and troubling case that continues to unfold. The discovery of the hidden rifle and the federal gun charges raise further questions about the circumstances surrounding Suzanne’s disappearance and the potential involvement of those closest to her. As authorities continue their investigation, the hope remains that Suzanne will be found, and that justice will be served. The evidence uncovered thus far points towards a disturbing narrative, leaving many unanswered questions about the fate of Suzanne Simpson. The upcoming legal proceedings will likely shed more light on this perplexing case and hopefully bring closure to those affected by this tragedy.
The future legal proceedings against Brad Simpson and James Cotter promise to be closely watched as the investigation continues to unfold. The details surrounding the evidence tampering charges, the discovery of the hidden rifle, and the federal gun violations will be scrutinized in court, potentially revealing crucial information about Suzanne Simpson’s disappearance. The ongoing search efforts, combined with the public plea for cooperation from Brad Simpson’s family, highlight the urgency and gravity of the situation. The community remains hopeful for a resolution that brings justice for Suzanne and answers the lingering questions surrounding her disappearance.
