Toronto police are defending their decision to let a suspected home invader leave a hospital after officers learned he could be connected to a violent attack on millionaire executive David Morton and his family.
Daijohn Richards, 23, is accused of taking part in the terrifying break-in at the $2.1 million home of property executive Morton, 75. The businessman, his wife and their two daughters were reportedly confronted by the intruders before Richards was accidentally wounded by one of his alleged accomplices.
Richards later appeared at a Toronto hospital suffering from a gunshot injury to his shoulder. Police questioned him there but did not place him under arrest.
Detectives eventually collected enough information to connect him to the alleged home invasion, but Richards had already been released. Officers were then left searching for the same man they had previously interviewed.
Toronto Police addressed the controversy on X on Saturday, acknowledging the public concern over how the investigation had been handled.
‘We want to address some confusion surrounding the investigation into the home invasion in the Bridle Path neighborhood,’ the department stated.
‘Investigators immediately recognized the potential connection between the home invasion and the individual who showed up at hospital with a gunshot wound.’
However, police said recognizing Richards as a possible suspect did not, by itself, provide sufficient legal grounds to detain him.
Morton, the CEO of MAC Group, was asleep with his family when masked intruders allegedly entered the property shortly after 3.30am, carrying handguns and a hammer
The suspects allegedly confronted 75-year-old Morton, his 64-year-old wife and their adult daughters, Maggie and Cristina Zohil-Morton, who are both in their 20s
Toronto police have been called on to explain why a suspected home invader was allowed to leave hospital
Daijohn Richards, 23, allegedly took part in the terrifying attack on property executive David Morton, 75, his wife and their two daughters before reportedly being shot by an accomplice
Richards went to St Joseph’s Health Centre for treatment soon afterward. Police said hospital staff alerted officers in accordance with Ontario’s mandatory reporting requirements for gunshot injuries
‘But recognizing a potential suspect and having enough evidence to arrest them are two different things. Suspicion alone isn’t enough. Police need reasonable grounds, supported by evidence, to make an arrest.’
The department stood by the detectives involved, commending their ‘professionalism, tenacity and commitment’ and emphasizing that the case remains active.
‘Let’s keep the focus where it belongs: finding the outstanding suspects and holding those responsible for this violent home invasion accountable,’ the statement concluded.
The police statement followed questions directed at Inspector Kristy Smith during a Saturday press conference about why Richards was not arrested before leaving the hospital.
‘We arrived at the hospital, we made an investigation, and I know the question is going to come about, “Why did we not arrest him at the time?”‘ Smith said.
Ontario law requires hospitals to contact police when treating someone for a gunshot wound.
Officers went to the hospital and spoke with Richards on ‘numerous’ occasions, according to Smith. At that stage, investigators said they had not yet developed the reasonable grounds required to arrest him.
Detectives eventually made the connection through forensic work and inquiries in the neighborhood, with assistance from the Centre of Forensic Sciences.
Toronto police said an ‘altercation’ started once the three masked men demanded the family’s personal valuables, which ended in Morton (pictured) and his two adult daughters being shot
Morton’s wife, 64-year-old Doriana Zohil-Morton was ‘smashed in the head’ with the hammer
Morton and one of his daughters were shot in the leg, while his other daughter was struck by a bullet beneath the arm
Unfortunately for police, Richards was no longer at the hospital when that evidence came together.
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A Canada-wide warrant has since been issued for his arrest following Thursday’s horrifying attack on Morton, CEO of Toronto-based real estate company MAC Group, and his family.
Three masked men carrying firearms and a hammer forced their way through the rear entrance of the family’s luxury home in the exclusive Bridle Path neighborhood at around 3:40am.
Morton, his 64-year-old wife Doriana Zohil-Morton, and their daughters Maggie and Cristina, aged 28 and 26, were asleep when the intruders entered their bedrooms and demanded valuables.
A violent struggle followed, with Morton and both daughters suffering gunshot wounds while two family members were also struck in the head with a hammer.
All four were rushed to hospital. Two have since been discharged, while the other two remain under medical care with injuries described as life-altering.
Investigators believe Richards was shot in the right shoulder by one of his alleged accomplices during the confrontation.
‘We believe that he was accidentally shot by one of the other suspects in this home invasion,’ Smith said.
The Toronto Police Service (TPS) announced that Richards was one of three suspects linked to the home invasion at CEO David Morton’s $2.1 million property in the affluent Bridle Path neighborhood
Daijohn Richards, 23, of Toronto, was identified by police as one of three suspects wanted in connection with the violent home invasion
The attackers fled in a dark-colored SUV, although police have only grainy surveillance images and have been unable to establish its make or model.
The Mortons’ sprawling property, valued at approximately $2.1 million, features a swimming pool, tennis court and private gardens.
Police believe the intruders may have chosen the wealthy neighborhood because of the valuables likely to be found inside its homes rather than specifically targeting the family.
Morton previously told the Daily Mail that his family had endured a ‘terrifying and life-threatening experience’ in the place where they should have felt safest.
‘It is difficult to put into words the trauma of experiencing something so horrific in the one place where everyone should feel safest: their own home,’ he said.
‘No family should ever have to experience this. People should be able to sleep peacefully in their homes without fear of armed individuals breaking in and threatening their lives.’
Toronto Police Inspector Kristy Smith said there had been an increase in violent home invasions in affluent Toronto neighborhoods
Investigators believe Richards was accidentally shot in the right shoulder by one of his co-offenders as the group terrorized the family and demanded their valuables, police said
Richards is wanted on multiple charges, including four counts each of discharging a firearm with intent to wound and robbery with a firearm, along with three counts of aggravated assault.
He also faces charges of breaking and entering, possessing a prohibited device and wearing a disguise with intent.
Police have released his photograph and warned that he may be experiencing discomfort in his injured shoulder, potentially making him recognizable.
Smith delivered a direct warning to the fugitive during Saturday’s news conference.
‘We know who you are. And we’re actively looking for you. Your world just got smaller,’ she declared.
The other two masked suspects have not been publicly identified.
‘I want to emphasize that all three suspects are considered armed and dangerous,’ Smith warned, urging members of the public not to approach them.