The search for Suzanne Clark Simpson has entered a harrowing second week, drawing intense public interest and extensive media coverage. Suzanne, a mother of four and a well-known Realtor in Olmos Park, has been missing since October 6. Despite daily search efforts, her whereabouts remain a mystery. Her last known appearance was at The Argyle, an exclusive dinner club in Alamo Heights, where she and her husband, Brad Simpson, were seen attending an event together.
The investigation took a grim turn last week when Brad Simpson was arrested and charged with family violence and unlawful restraint, as well as an additional federal charge for possessing an unregistered short-barreled rifle. With a bond set at $2 million, he remains in the Bexar County Jail. Eyewitness accounts from the couple’s neighborhood paint a disturbing picture of their final moments together, with neighbors reporting sounds of an altercation and even screams from a nearby wooded area. Brad was later seen leaving the house in his black GMC pickup truck, returning only hours later. Although he initially spoke with law enforcement, he quickly became uncooperative, retreating to a ranch in Bandera County before authorities took him into custody.
The Olmos Park Police, with support from the Texas Rangers and other law enforcement agencies, are conducting a multi-site investigation that has thus far included the couple’s home, areas along I-10 near Boerne, and most recently, a landfill in southeast Bexar County. Investigators have combed through massive amounts of refuse, hoping to uncover any evidence that might lead to Suzanne’s discovery. The landfill search, now entering its fourth day, has been physically and emotionally taxing for everyone involved, particularly Suzanne’s family, who continue to stand by the search efforts with unwavering resolve. Brad Simpson’s legal troubles only seem to be worsening, as the unregistered firearm charge has triggered a federal hold, effectively canceling any chance of bail for the foreseeable future.
The case has struck a chord with the San Antonio community, with residents taking to the streets to distribute flyers, hold vigils, and volunteer in search efforts. Among those rallying to find Suzanne is Frank Trevino, a local who has taken it upon himself to conduct his own investigation. Trevino has been searching areas around Boerne and scrutinizing properties near potential dumping sites, determined to leave no stone unturned in his quest to help locate the missing mother. He is one of many in the area who refuse to let this case slip through the cracks, underscoring the community’s commitment to supporting Suzanne’s family and demanding answers.
The case timeline reveals a series of chilling details. After the couple’s argument on October 6, Suzanne’s phone showed its last activity early the following morning, its coordinates traced to a parking lot in Olmos Park. Brad, who reported Suzanne missing late on October 7, initially told police that he had failed to pick up one of their children from school because he had been waiting for Suzanne. By October 8, Brad’s cooperation waned as police questioned family members, uncovering statements that painted a troubling picture of the days leading up to Suzanne’s disappearance. One of the couple’s children even reported seeing Brad assault Suzanne and take her phone.
Authorities remain steadfast in their search efforts, despite the grueling conditions and the increasing public scrutiny. The landfill site is just one component of a far-reaching investigation that spans multiple locations and involves significant resources. In addition to on-site officers, San Antonio Police Department cadets have been brought in to assist, underscoring the scale of this operation. Chief Fidel Villegas of Olmos Park Police has been vocal about the support received from the community and neighboring law enforcement agencies, expressing gratitude for the continued cooperation and shared commitment to resolving this case.
The legal proceedings surrounding Brad Simpson are expected to be lengthy and complex. His charges carry severe penalties, particularly the federal firearm charge, which alone could result in a decade-long prison sentence and hefty fines. Suzanne’s loved ones, including her brother-in-law, have voiced both heartbreak and hope. In a public statement, Barton Tinsley Simpson thanked the community for their support and vowed not to stop until Suzanne is found.
As the search continues, those following the case are left with questions and concerns. What led to this tragic series of events, and will the ongoing search yield answers? For now, Olmos Park remains a community on edge, united in their hope that Suzanne will be found and that justice will be served.
