James "Val" Cotter, the business partner of Brad Simpson, husband of missing Texas realtor Suzanne Simpson, has been indicted on charges related to the ongoing investigation. Cotter faces charges of evidence tampering and possession of prohibited weapons, according to Bexar County Jail records. These developments follow Brad Simpson's arrest on murder charges in connection with his wife's disappearance.

Authorities allege that Cotter hid Simpson's modified AK-47 in his home after a series of urgent text messages between the two men shortly after Suzanne Simpson vanished. Simpson's texts reportedly urged Cotter to secure the weapon, citing the intense scrutiny from social media. Cotter's subsequent texts to Simpson, expressing unwavering support, further solidified suspicions. The unregistered firearm, modified into what police describe as a "machine gun," led to Cotter's arrest in October. He was later released on bond with conditions including no contact with Brad Simpson and a prohibition on possessing firearms.

Suzanne Simpson disappeared on October 6th after a reported altercation with her husband outside their Olmos Park home. While her body remains unrecovered, authorities believe Brad Simpson is responsible for her death. Witness accounts, including a neighbor who witnessed the alleged assault and the couple's young child who recounted a violent incident to school officials, contribute to the mounting evidence against Simpson. He has been indicted on multiple charges, including murder, aggravated assault, tampering with a corpse, and evidence tampering.

Further complicating the case, Suzanne Simpson's DNA was reportedly discovered on a reciprocating saw that investigators believe Brad Simpson attempted to conceal. This discovery, along with Simpson's alleged visits to a dump site, Home Depot, and a car wash shortly after his wife's disappearance, strengthens the prosecution's case. Authorities maintain that there are no indications Suzanne Simpson is alive, based on cellphone and financial records, as well as statements from family, friends, and colleagues. The investigation continues as authorities seek to bring closure to this tragic case.