Nearly a week after an armed home invasion at the residence of a Toronto real estate executive, three suspects remain at large, police said. Investigators allege the men entered the home carrying guns and hammers before assaulting the family inside.
Toronto Police have identified one suspect as Daijohn Richards, a 23-year-old Toronto man wanted under a Canada-wide warrant. He faces three counts of aggravated assault, four counts of discharging a firearm with intent to wound and four counts of robbery with a firearm, according to a statement from police.
Authorities said Richards was identified as a suspect in the Oct. 29 break-in at the home of David Morton and his family after he was “accidentally shot by one of the other suspects during the struggle inside the victims’ home.”
At an Oct. 31 briefing, Toronto Police Inspector Kristy Smith said Richards later visited a local hospital for treatment and spoke with officers. Police did not initially realize he was connected to the attack on the Morton family, People reported.
Investigators subsequently connected Richards to the crime through evidence gathered while canvassing the neighborhood and examining the scene, Smith said.
Richards and two additional suspects, who have not been identified, are still being sought.
David Morton and Family Attacked by Armed Intruders
Police said the three suspects entered the home of David Morton, his wife, Doriana Zohil-Morton, and their adult daughters, Cristina and Maggie, at about 3:40 a.m. on Oct. 29. The residence is located in one of Toronto’s most affluent neighborhoods.
Carrying firearms and a hammer, the intruders forced their way inside and went to the second floor, where they demanded personal valuables, according to police.
The suspects then became involved in a confrontation with the occupants, during which multiple shots were fired.
Although police did not publicly identify the victims, they said a 75-year-old man, a 26-year-old woman and a 28-year-old woman suffered gunshot wounds. The man and a 64-year-old woman were also struck with a hammer.
The suspects escaped in a dark-colored SUV, police said.
David Morton Describes “Horrific” Attack From Hospital
In a statement released from his hospital bed on Oct. 30, David Morton confirmed that his family had been targeted in the attack, according to CBC.
“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.”
Morton and his two daughters remained in hospital recovering from their injuries, he added, per CBS News.
Smith said investigators believe the family was targeted because of its wealth.
“We talk about affluence,” she said, according to People, “and people wanting things and entering into an area of affluence, where there are things that are sought after, is what we believe to be a motive at this time.”
Morton is the CEO of The MAC Group, a company specializing in furnished properties, relocation services and real estate services, according to its website.
Doriana, Maggie and Cristina also work for the company.
Police warned that all three suspects should be considered “armed and dangerous.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hold Up Squad at 416-808-7350 or 33 Division at 416-808-3300.