Toronto police have identified one of three suspects involved in a violent home invasion that occurred early on Thursday morning in the affluent Bridle Path neighborhood, specifically on Hyde Park Circle near Bayview Avenue and Lawrence Avenue East. The suspect, 23-year-old Daijohn Richards, was part of a group of masked individuals who forcibly entered the residence just before 4 a.m., armed with firearms and a hammer.
During the harrowing incident, a family of four, including a 75-year-old father and his two daughters aged 28 and 26, suffered severe injuries. Reports indicate that all four family members were shot multiple times, and two of them were also struck in the head with a hammer during the confrontation. In a press update, Insp. Kristy Smith revealed that the police learned of Richards' arrival at a local hospital with a gunshot wound but he was discharged without arrest later that Thursday morning.
Richards sustained a gunshot wound to his right shoulder, which may cause him to favor that side of his body. Smith explained the complexities involved when a suspect presents at a hospital, noting that establishing reasonable grounds for an arrest is not instantaneous. As part of their ongoing investigation, a Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Richards, who faces multiple serious charges, including four counts of discharging a firearm with intent to wound, four counts of robbery with a firearm, three counts of aggravated assault, and several other related offenses.
Insp. Smith emphasized the urgency of the investigation, warning Richards, “We know who you are, and we’re looking for you. Your world just got smaller.” While Richards has been identified, no further details have been released about the other two suspects, who are described as being approximately 20 years old and wearing dark clothing. All three suspects are considered armed and dangerous.
The victims have been identified as David Morton, 75; his wife Doriana Zohil-Morton, 64; and their two daughters. David Morton expressed the traumatic impact of the invasion, describing it as a “terrifying and life-threatening experience.” He revealed that the family members suffered serious injuries requiring emergency medical attention and stressed that “no family should ever have to experience this.”
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw has vowed a relentless pursuit of the suspects, who made their escape in a dark-colored SUV. Authorities have not yet determined whether the home invasion was targeted, although it occurred in a well-off area known for its affluence. Investigators continue to look into the motive behind the attack.
In a concerning trend, Toronto police reported that there have been 119 home invasions in the city this year, representing an increase of over 35 percent compared to the same period last year. At an April police board meeting, Insp. Smith noted a significant rise in home invasions linked to increasing incidents of violent car thefts. Certain neighborhoods have emerged as “hot spots” for these crimes, particularly within the 32 Division and 53 Division areas that cover North York and midtown Toronto respectively. The Bridle Path neighborhood falls under 33 Division, which has also witnessed a rise in home invasion incidents.
