BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – Brad Simpson, the man charged in connection with the murder of his wife, returned to a Bexar County courtroom Tuesday morning.
Simpson appeared before Judge Joel Perez inside Bexar County’s 437th Criminal District Court.
During Simpson’s most recent court appearance in May, Perez told the court that an outside judge is reviewing “extensive” evidence connected to the case. Once Perez reviews the judge’s findings, he “will decide what to disclose to the defense.”
On Tuesday, Perez announced that the outside judge’s review of evidence was complete. The judge will present the evidence to the prosecution and defense teams later this week.
Perez also said he was informed Tuesday of a possible “civil litigation” matter regarding Simpson. When asked if the state was ready to discuss the civil matter in court, prosecutors said they preferred to clarify details with the civil division of the Bexar County DA’s Office before reconvening with Perez and the defense.
The judge tentatively scheduled another status hearing 45 days from Tuesday. According to court records, the next hearing is set for Aug. 31.
KSAT reached out to the DA’s office Tuesday morning for additional details regarding the “civil litigation” matter.
In a response, a DA’s office spokesperson, citing a gag order, declined comment to KSAT.
Perez asked the prosecution and Simpson’s team to begin planning to take this case to trial, which includes collaborating on a potential witness list and any body-camera redactions.
“Everybody is telling me that this is going to be a long trial,” Perez told the court Tuesday.
A trial date for Simpson has not been set.
Background
Investigators said the couple was involved in a dispute with one another prior to Suzanne Clark Simpson’s October 2024 disappearance.
Authorities linked Simpson, 55, to his wife’s murder since she was first reported missing on Oct. 6, 2024, after a party at The Argyle in Alamo Heights. Simpson reported his wife missing the following evening.
While Suzanne’s body has not been found, her husband was taken into custody on Oct. 9, 2024.
Bexar County court records show that Simpson was charged with murder on Nov. 7, 2024. He was indicted one month later.
His business partner, James Cotter, has also been charged in connection with the case.
Cotter is accused of helping Simpson hide an AK-47 that was illegally modified. Authorities said the firearm was modified into a “machine gun” that was not properly registered.
In October 2025, a judge ruled to have Cotter’s GPS monitor removed.
Surveillance footage gathered by investigators showed Simpson driving with three large trash bags, a heavy-duty trash can and a “large bulky item” wrapped in a blue tarp the day after his wife’s disappearance, an arrest warrant affidavit previously revealed.
In February 2026, KSAT reported that Simpson’s defense team accused the Olmos Park police chief of mishandling evidence and violating a gag order.
Simpson’s attorney alleges that Olmos Park Police Chief Fidel Villegas violated the gag order and allowed Olmos Park Mayor Erin Harrison to privately review physical evidence in the case.
The motion, which seeks personnel files, claims Villegas gave Harrison access to all physical evidence in the department’s possession after a judge had prohibited disclosure of evidence to non-parties.
In addition to murder, court records show that Simpson has also been charged with tampering with a corpse and possessing prohibited weapons — both third-degree felonies.
If convicted, Simpson faces up to life in prison.
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, there is so much help for you. KSAT has a list of resources on its Domestic Violence webpage, which also explains how to identify different types of abuse.
If it’s an emergency, text or call 911. For wrap-around services, including the Battered Women and Children’s Shelter, call Family Violence Prevention Services at (210) 733-8810.
You can also contact the Bexar County Family Justice Center, which also provides wrap-around services at (210) 631-0100.
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