UPDATE: Remains of missing Colorado mom Suzanne Morphew found in Moffat 3+ years after last seen

CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) -- The judge who was overseeing the murder trial of Barry Morphew removed himself from the case Thursday.

The defense attorneys raised questions about a conflict of interest for Judge Patrick Murphy because of his relationship with a lawyer handling the case of Morphew's alleged girlfriend, Shoshona Darke. Darke may be called as a witness in the trial.

RELATED: Barry Morphew's Attorneys Ask Judge To Remove Himself From Presiding

Morphew is charged with murdering his wife -- Suzanne -- who disappeared in 2020. Her body has never been found.

Thursday's ruling could delay the trial but CBS affiliate KKTV reports the hope is to have a new judge appointed by the end of next week.