SAN ANTONIO – Brad Simpson pleaded the Fifth in his second appearance in family court on Monday when asked about his missing wife, Suzanne Simpson.
Brad Simpson appeared on Zoom from jail for a second Child Protective Services hearing in Bexar County Children’s Court on Monday afternoon.
At his first family court appearance on Oct. 29, Brad Simpson told the court that his wife was probably in Austin with friends.
Brad Simpson also told the court on Oct. 29 that he last spoke to his wife at 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 6, sources said. That was the last time Suzanne Simpson was seen, according to Olmos Park police.
On Monday’s custody hearing, Brad Simpson pleaded the Fifth and did not answer any questions asked by Suzanne’s attorney, Meredith Chacon.
The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution establishes a number of rights related to legal proceedings, including that no one “shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself.”
This means that criminal defendants don’t have to give damning testimony in their own cases. But it has come to apply in non-criminal contexts, too.
The CPS worker on the case confirmed that Brad Simpson’s children are doing well and are comfortable in their current placement.
Brad Simpson appeared in court for the first time on Monday morning, facing charges in connection with the murder of Suzanne Simpson.
While authorities have not found Suzanne Simpson’s body, prosecutors have gathered enough evidence to proceed with charges.
Brad Simpson’s next court hearing is a bond modification hearing scheduled for Dec. 19.
Outside of courtroom, Bart Simpson said he hopes his brother, “will do the right thing and come forward.”
“My brother’s children are surrounded with love, caring, and compassion and are doing as well as you think you could for anybody in this situation,” Bart Simpson said.
The next custody hearing is scheduled for April 8, 2025.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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