Toronto police have been forced to explain why they allowed a suspected home invader to walk free from hospital despite knowing he may have been involved in a brutal attack on a millionaire CEO and his family.
Daijohn Richards, 23, allegedly helped terrorize property boss David Morton, 75, his wife and their two daughters inside their $2.1 million mansion before being accidentally shot by one of his own accomplices.
Richards later turned up at a Toronto hospital with a gunshot wound to his shoulder, where officers questioned him but did not arrest him.
By the time detectives had gathered enough evidence to link him to the crime, he had already been discharged, leaving police searching for a man they had previously spoken to.
On Saturday, Toronto Police took to X in an apparent attempt to contain the fallout, acknowledging the questions surrounding their handling of the investigation.
'We want to address some confusion surrounding the investigation into the home invasion in the Bridle Path neighbourhood,' the department wrote.
'Investigators immediately recognized the potential connection between the home invasion and the individual who showed up at hospital with a gunshot wound.'
But police insisted that knowing Richards might have been involved was not enough to justify taking him into custody.
Daijohn Richards, 23, allegedly helped terrorize property boss David Morton, 75, his wife and their two daughters inside their $2.1 million mansion before being accidentally shot by one of his own accomplices
Toronto police have been forced to explain why they allowed a suspected home invader to walk free from hospital
Morton, CEO of MAC Group, was inside sleeping with his family when the masked suspects forced their way into the property shortly after 3.30am, armed with handguns and a hammer
'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 defended its detectives, praising their 'professionalism, tenacity and commitment' while insisting the investigation would continue.
'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 explanation came after Inspector Kristy Smith faced questions during a Saturday news conference about why Richards had been allowed to leave 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?"' she said.
Under Ontario law, hospitals must notify police when treating patients suffering gunshot wounds.
Officers attended the hospital and had what Smith described as 'numerous interactions' with Richards, but investigators had not yet established reasonable grounds for his arrest.
Detectives eventually made the connection through forensic work and inquiries in the neighborhood, with assistance from the Centre of Forensic Sciences.
The suspects confronted Morton, 75, his 64-year-old wife and their two adult daughters, Maggie and Cristina Zohil-Morton, both in their 20s, both pictured
Daijohn Richards, 23, of Toronto, was identified by police as one of three suspects wanted in connection with the violent home invasion
Richards sought treatment at St Joseph's Health Centre shortly afterward, where staff notified police under Ontario's mandatory reporting rules for gunshot wounds, police said
Morton's wife, 64-year-old Doriana Zohil-Morton was 'smashed in the head' with the hammer
Unfortunately for police, Richards was no longer at the hospital when that evidence came together.
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.
Morton and one of his daughters were shot in the leg, while his other daughter was struck by a bullet beneath the arm
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
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 said an 'altercation' started once the three masked men demanded the family's personal valuables, which ended in Morton and his two adult daughters being shot
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.
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