Toronto Police Identify Suspect in Violent Home Invasion of MAC Group CEO
Authorities identify a 23-year-old suspect following a bloody morning robbery at MAC Group CEO David Morton's Bridle Path mansion. Family injured.
POLICY WIRE — Toronto, Canada — Toronto police have identified a 23-year-old suspect in connection with a violent early morning robbery at the residence of a prominent real estate executive. The suspect, identified as Daijohn Richards, was reportedly shot by one of his own accomplices during the chaotic struggle inside the home.
The incident occurred around 3:45 a.m. Thursday at the $2.1 million estate located in the affluent Bridle Path neighborhood. David Morton, the 75-year-old CEO of MAC Group, was with his wife, Doriana Zohil-Morton, and their two adult daughters, Maggie and Cristina, when three masked intruders stormed the property.
According to investigators, the suspects wore hoodies and ski masks while moving to the second floor of the six-bedroom residence to demand valuables. A physical confrontation ensued, resulting in multiple injuries as the family members attempted to defend themselves.
Morton and both of his daughters were shot during the altercation. His 64-year-old wife was brutally assaulted with a hammer. Inspector Kristy Smith noted that two of the victims suffered life-altering injuries and required hospitalization, while the others were treated for wounds that were not considered life-threatening.
Police believe Richards was accidentally struck in the shoulder by a fellow robber during the violence. He reportedly traveled to St. Joseph’s Health Centre shortly after the attack to treat the gunshot wound. Medical staff notified authorities of his presence, and he was discharged later that Thursday morning.
Inspector Kristy Smith explained that Richards was not detained immediately following the crime because there was insufficient evidence to link him to the crime scene at that time. A Canada-wide warrant has since been issued for Richards, who faces multiple charges including three counts of firearm discharge with intent, aggravated assault, robbery with a firearm, and break and enter.
In a statement, David Morton expressed the profound trauma of being attacked in a place where one should feel safest. He stated that no family should have to endure such horror or live in fear of armed individuals threatening their lives. Mayor Olivia Chow has also appealed to anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward, emphasizing that violence is unacceptable in the city.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
