An armed man who burst into the mansion of a Canadian real estate mogul and was shot dead during the wild break-in has been identified, according to Toronto police, who believe he was injured by another culprit during the chaos.
Suspect Daijohn Richards, 23, of Toronto, is wanted in connection with the bloody robbery at MAC Group CEO David Morton’s $2.1 million home in the upscale Bridle Path neighborhood, according to the Toronto Police Service.
Morton, 75, his wife, Doriana Zohil-Morton, and their two adult daughters, Maggie and Cristina, were ambushed upstairs around 3:45 a.m. Thursday by masked intruders, police said.
The accused thieves went to the second floor of the six-bedroom home, wearing hoodies and ski masks, robbed the family and demanded valuables when an altercation broke out.
Morton and his daughters were shot dead in the chaos, while his wife was violently attacked with a hammer, according to the Toronto Sun.
The three suspects – all believed to be aged around 20 – escaped after the attack and were on the run as of Saturday evening.
Authorities believe Richards was accidentally shot in the shoulder by one of the two other robbers during the violent struggle.
He reportedly went to St. Joseph Health Center shortly after the shooting to treat his injury, according to police.
Staff reported his injuries to authorities and he was released “late Thursday morning,” according to CP24.
When asked why police didn’t link Richards to the chaos that occurred at the Mortons’ house earlier that morning, Detective Kristy Smith said there wasn’t enough evidence to link him to the crime, according to the Daily Mail.
He is wanted on several charges, including three counts of discharging a firearm with intent, three counts of aggravated assault, robbery with a firearm, assault with a weapon and breaking and entering.
A Canada-wide arrest warrant has been issued against him.
The photo provided by the Toronto Police Service indicates that Richards has a history of criminal behavior.
“It’s difficult to put into words the trauma of experiencing something so horrific in the one place everyone should feel safest: their own home,” Morton said in a statement provided to the Post.
“No family should have to go through this,” he said. “People should be able to sleep peacefully in their homes without fear of armed individuals breaking in and threatening their lives. »
Morton and her daughters, both in their 20s, were injured as they tried to fend off the three men, who were wearing hooded sweatshirts and ski masks. His 64-year-old wife was bludgeoned with a hammer, a source told the Toronto Sun.
Morton and one daughter were hit in the leg, while his other daughter was hit in the arm, the outlet reported.
Toronto Police Service Inspector Kristy Smith said Thursday that two of the victims suffered “life-altering injuries” and remained hospitalized, while the others were treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow encouraged anyone with information, including images, to come forward and insisted: “Violence is not acceptable in our city. »
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