Brad Simpson, the husband of missing Texas realtor Suzanne Simpson, remains in jail accused of killing her. James “Val” Cotter, Simpson’s longtime business partner, was formally charged this week in the investigation.
Cotter, 65, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of tampering with evidence with the intent to impair an investigation and possession of prohibited weapons. He is accused of hiding Simpson’s gun after they exchanged a series of ominous texts on October 8, two days after Suzanne’s disappearance and prior to Simpson’s arrest on October 9.
According to court records, Simpson allegedly texted Cotter, “If you’re in Bandera, can you haul a– to meet me at your house? I don’t have much time.” Cotter responded, “I will be there in 40 minutes.” Simpson then wrote back, “OK, make sure and leave all that s— into the pump house, especially the gun.” Police said Cotter hid Simpson’s AK-47, concealing it in the wall of his home.
Cotter was arrested on October 21 and charged with tampering with evidence and possessing a prohibited weapon, both third-degree felonies. He was released from custody last month after having his bond reduced from $1 million to $100,000.
Suzanne went missing on October 6 after allegedly fighting with her husband of 22 years in front of their house in Olmos Park. While her body has not been recovered, authorities believe that Simpson “intentionally and knowingly caused the death” of his wife. Simpson was charged with her murder on November 7 and has been denied bail.
