SAN ANTONIO – The husband of missing Olmos Park woman Suzanne Simpson has been charged with her murder, although authorities have not yet located her body.

Brad Simpson, 44, was charged with the crime last week, raising questions about how prosecutors will move forward in a case where such a critical piece of evidence is still missing.

Former Bexar County District Attorney Nico LaHood explained the complexities of prosecuting a murder case without the victim’s body.

“This is not a common situation,” LaHood said. “Usually, there is a body. Before you charge someone with murder, you have to establish that the murder actually occurred and then you have to link that murder to the accused.”

Despite the lack of a body, LaHood believes the prosecution will rely on circumstantial evidence, such as testimony and financial records, to build its case against Brad Simpson.

“The time frame in which this allegation is made is particularly intriguing,” LaHood said. “It seems like there is a short period of time to prove the case, but maybe they have something else to tie in. There is no smoking gun, literally or figuratively.”

The investigation continues and the search for 42-year-old Suzanne Simpson continues.

In addition to Brad Simpson, James Cotter, Brad’s business partner, was arrested last week on charges of tampering with evidence and illegal weapons possession.

Cotter was released on a reduced bond of $100,000 last Friday.

LaHood emphasized that although Cotter has been released, all evidence will be taken into account as the case develops.

Even if Suzanne Simpson’s body were found, LaHood warned, that alone would not automatically guarantee a conviction.

“Finding the body would certainly strengthen the prosecution’s case,” he said. “But it’s important to remember that circumstantial evidence still plays a role in strengthening direct evidence, whether it comes from a witness or the body that is found.”

As of now, there is no date set for when the case will go to trial and no new information has emerged regarding the whereabouts of Suzanne Simpson.

Authorities have promised to continue their search and updates will be provided as soon as they are available.