Honestly, it’s the question that everyone in San Antonio—and honestly, half the country—has been asking for over a year. Has Suzanne Simpson been found? As we sit here in January 2026, the short, heartbreaking answer is no. Despite massive searches involving the Texas Rangers, the FBI, and specialized search-and-rescue teams, the 51-year-old mother of four remains missing.
But there's a lot more to the story than just a missing person report. We are currently just weeks away from the murder trial of her husband, Brad Simpson. It's set to begin on February 13, 2026. This case has been a wild ride of evidence, from blood-stained trucks to high-stakes searches in landfills. If you’ve been following the news, you know the basics, but the gritty details coming out of the pre-trial hearings this month are what really paint the picture of where this stands.
The Night Suzanne Simpson Vanished
To understand why she hasn't been found, you have to look at those final hours on October 6, 2024. Suzanne and Brad were at The Argyle, an exclusive club in Alamo Heights. They were seen arguing. Later that night, a neighbor back in Olmos Park heard a physical struggle outside the Simpson home.
He saw Brad grabbing Suzanne. He heard screams from the woods.
Then, silence.
The neighbor saw Brad’s black GMC Sierra leave the house, then come back an hour later. That one-hour window is likely where the secret of Suzanne’s location lies. The next morning, Suzanne’s phone "pinged" for the last time at 7:15 a.m. in an Olmos Park parking lot. By 3:00 p.m., the school called because Suzanne hadn't picked up her five-year-old daughter. That was the red flag that started everything.
Why Has Suzanne Simpson Been Found Yet?
You’d think with all the technology we have in 2026, finding a person would be easier. But investigators have faced massive hurdles. They spent five days digging through a southeast Bexar County landfill. They searched Boerne. They searched the woods near the house. Nothing.
One big reason for the difficulty is Brad’s alleged behavior in those first 48 hours. According to the arrest affidavit, Brad was seen on surveillance at a Home Depot in Boerne buying:
- Two bags of Quikrete cement
- A heavy-duty construction bucket with a lid
- Clorox disinfectant spray
- Large trash bags
He also allegedly asked a random person in the parking lot for directions to the nearest dump. When police finally got a look at his truck, it contained a blue tarp, an ice chest, and a "large bulky item." By the time he was arrested in Kendall County a few days later, those items were gone.
Basically, the "where" is a moving target. He traveled from Olmos Park to Boerne, then west toward Bandera and Medina County. That’s a lot of ground to cover.
The Evidence Mounting Against Brad Simpson
Even though her body hasn't been recovered, prosecutors are moving forward with a murder charge. This is what's known as a "no-body" prosecution. It's tough, but not impossible.
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One of the most damning pieces of evidence? A reciprocating saw.
Back in late 2024, reports surfaced that Suzanne’s DNA was found on a saw that Brad allegedly tried to hide with the help of his business associate, James Cotter. Cotter was also arrested for tampering with evidence and hiding an illegal AK-47 for Brad.
Then there are the notes. When Texas Rangers searched a property in Bandera County, they found a burnt laptop and cell phones. They recovered notes titled "This next life" and "Last will and testament" where Brad allegedly apologized for physically assaulting Suzanne.
What the 2026 Trial Means for the Search
As we approach the February 13 trial date, the focus is shifting from "where is she" to "how do we prove what happened." Pre-trial motions in January 2026 have shown that the prosecution has a mountain of circumstantial evidence.
We've learned about:
- "Lock Down" Mode: Brad allegedly kept turning his phone on and off to avoid being tracked by GPS.
- Blood Evidence: Stains in Brad’s vehicle tested positive for blood, though court records later clarified the blood was his—possibly from lacerations and bruises seen on his arms when he was arrested.
- The Daughter's Testimony: The Simpsons' young daughter told school counselors that her dad hit her mom and pushed her into a wall.
Is it enough for a conviction? That’s what the jury will decide. But for the family, a conviction isn't the same as a homecoming. Suzanne’s brother-in-law, Barton Simpson, has publicly pleaded with Brad to "do the right thing" and tell them where she is.
Where the Case Goes From Here
If you are looking for closure, we aren't there yet. The trial will likely last weeks. There is a gag order in place, so don't expect many "leaks" or interviews from the attorneys before the opening statements.
Honestly, the search hasn't stopped; it's just changed. It's less about boots on the ground in the woods and more about forensic experts looking at data pings and disposal sites.
Key next steps to follow the case:
- Watch the Pre-Trial Hearings: A major hearing is set for January 20, 2026. This will decide what evidence the jury actually gets to see.
- Monitor the "No-Body" Strategy: Watch how the Bexar County DA handles the lack of a physical site. They will likely rely heavily on the "Whataburger footage" showing the heavy trash bags and the Home Depot receipts.
- Support Local Resources: Suzanne was a well-known realtor and mother. Local groups in San Antonio still hold vigils and keep her name in the public eye to ensure the search doesn't go cold.
Justice for Suzanne doesn't just mean a jail cell for the person responsible; it means bringing her home to her four children. Until that happens, the question of whether Suzanne Simpson has been found will continue to haunt the community.