San Antonio, TX - A Texas mother of four has been missing for nearly three weeks, leaving her family and community desperate for answers. Suzanne Clark Simpson, a well-known real estate agent, was last seen on October 6, following a fight with her husband. According to investigators, her husband, Brad Simpson, has been "uncooperative" in the investigation, raising concerns and casting shadows on the case.
A Troubling Disappearance
Simpson, a resident of Olmos Park, a suburb of San Antonio, was reported missing on October 7, the day after a neighbor witnessed a heated argument between her and her husband outside their home. According to an affidavit obtained by KSAT-TV, the neighbor described the altercation as physical, followed by screams heard shortly after.
Olmos Park Police Chief Fidel Villegas has expressed deep concern. “We’re very concerned,” Villegas stated during a press conference, emphasizing the unusual and worrisome nature of Simpson's disappearance.
Her sister, Teresa Clark, voiced the family’s heartbreak to WOAI-TV, saying, “We are devastated by the loss of my sister. The search will continue, and we will not stop until we find her. Suzanne was an incredible mother, daughter, sister, and a beloved member of the San Antonio community.”
Arrests Amid the Ongoing Search
As the search intensifies, Brad Simpson, along with his business partner, James Vallee Cotter, has been arrested. The arrest affidavit suggests Brad has been evasive, even skipping a follow-up interview with authorities and retreating to his Bandera County ranch. He now faces several charges, including unlawful restraint, assault causing bodily injury, prohibited weapon possession, and evidence tampering. A federal complaint further accuses him of possessing a rifle not registered to him.
Meanwhile, Cotter was charged with prohibited weapon possession after reportedly hiding an AK-47 in his home at Brad Simpson’s request. Authorities have not identified an attorney representing Cotter.
Defense Attorney Criticizes Charges as 'Ludicrous'
Brad Simpson’s court-appointed attorney, Steven Gilmore, has publicly criticized the charges. In an interview with the San Antonio Express-News, Gilmore called the charges “ludicrous” and argued that they serve only to keep Simpson in custody. He claimed that the $2 million bond set for his client is unjustified, accusing authorities of “theater” to delay legal proceedings and prevent a speedy trial.
“All this is kind of a shock to him and his family,” Gilmore said, revealing that Simpson is being held in administrative segregation, confined to his cell for at least 23 hours a day. He has stated that Simpson will plead not guilty.
Police Search for Suzanne Simpson Expands
As days pass, authorities have intensified their search, scouring multiple sites, including a landfill and a local basin, yet finding no trace of Simpson. Chief Villegas emphasized that Simpson’s disappearance is “highly unusual.” He described her as “a very loving and reliable person, especially with her children and her work,” highlighting that she has not contacted her children or attended work since October 6.
Simpson’s dedication to her children and community is well-documented. Her online biography describes her as an active figure in her children’s lives, participating in their school and sports events. Her four children, aged between 5 and 20, have become the focal point of the family’s distress and a powerful motivator in the search.
Clark, her sister, further underscored the urgency, saying, “When a mother goes missing, they don’t go missing by accident. Children need their mothers the most, and Suzanne was beloved by so many people. She just had the sweetest disposition.”
Community Support and Public Assistance
The San Antonio community has rallied to support the family’s efforts, and authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward. The Olmos Park Police Department can be contacted at 210-822-2000.