Toronto Police Explain Why Home Invasion Suspect Was Released From Hospital Before Arrest Warrant Was Issued

Toronto police are facing questions after a man suspected of taking part in a violent home invasion was allowed to leave a hospital before investigators had gathered enough evidence to arrest him. The 23-year-old allegedly suffered a gunshot wound during the attack on a wealthy family’s mansion, where four relatives were left injured after masked intruders stormed inside.

The incident happened in the early hours of October 29 at the home of David Morton, a 75-year-old real estate executive and head of Toronto-based MAC Group, in the city’s exclusive Bridle Path neighbourhood.

Police say three masked men forced their way into the property through a rear entrance while the family was inside. The intruders were allegedly carrying handguns and a hammer and demanded valuables.

A confrontation followed. Morton and his two adult daughters, Maggie and Cristina, suffered gunshot wounds, while his wife, Doriana Zohil-Morton, was struck with a hammer, according to police. All four family members were taken to hospital.

Investigators believe one of the intruders was accidentally shot by an accomplice during the struggle.

That suspect was later identified as Daijohn Richards, 23, who reportedly went to St. Joseph’s Health Centre seeking treatment for a gunshot wound to his right shoulder.

Toronto police confirmed that officers attended the hospital after receiving notification of the gunshot injury. They spoke with Richards before he was discharged, but did not arrest him.

Inspector Kristy Smith explained that investigators did not yet have sufficient evidence to establish the legal grounds for an arrest. Police protocols allow officers to respond when hospitals report gunshot victims, but the notification alone does not prove that a patient was involved in a crime.

Smith said detectives continued working on the case, including forensic inquiries and investigative follow-up. By Friday evening, officers had developed evidence linking Richards to the home invasion, but he had already left the hospital.

On October 31, police announced that a Canada-wide arrest warrant had been issued for Richards. He is wanted on multiple charges, including four counts of robbery with a firearm, four counts of discharging a firearm with intent to wound, three counts of aggravated assault, break and enter, possession of a prohibited device and disguise with intent.

Police have warned that Richards should be considered armed and dangerous. Investigators are also searching for the two other alleged attackers, who have not yet been identified.

The attack has left the Morton family dealing with serious physical and emotional injuries. In a public statement, David Morton said his family was concentrating on recovery and supporting one another after an experience that shattered their sense of safety at home.

Police said some family members had been released from hospital, while others continued receiving treatment. Two of the victims sustained injuries described as life-altering, although police said the family members were not in life-threatening condition.

The investigation remains active, and authorities are asking anyone with information about Richards or the other suspects to contact police.