An elderly man in Kentucky was arrested after he allegedly placed a plastic bag over his wife’s face and pinched her nose so she would stop breathing during a disturbing incident that took place at a retirement community.
The Louisville Metro Police Department said that Bert Morris was charged with attempted murder relating to domestic violence and strangulation in the first degree. Following his arrest, Morris, 92, was booked into the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections.
The incident took place shortly after midnight on Wednesday, October 28, when police officers responded to a call regarding “a report of a domestic violence incident,” according to WHAS. Officers were then reported to StoryPoint Brownsboro retirement community, where they learned that facility staff members “had intervened during an assault involving an elderly female victim.”
The woman was later brought to a local hospital for treatment.
An investigation was launched into the matter, and the police department’s Special Victims Unit Domestic Violence Squad learned that the incident had been captured on video.
In the footage, Morris was reportedly seen placing a plastic bag over his wife’s face and then pinching her nose. Morris later spoke to investigators about the incident, and he reportedly told them that she “needed to die.”
However, authorities did not indicate whether the man shared a motive for trying to kill his wife.
Authorities said that the woman was unconscious when she arrived at the hospital, and she remained unconscious as the day continued on Wednesday. Her current condition has not yet been revealed.
It is not currently clear whether both Morris and his wife live at the retirement community where the assault took place.
Following Morris’ arrest, a spokesperson for StoryPoint Brownsboro told WHAS that the facility “is working closely and fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities regarding this matter.”
“While we are unable to comment on specific details at this time, the safety, well-being, and peace of mind of our residents remain our highest priority and at the heart of everything we do,” the spokesperson added.
It is not currently clear whether Morris has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following his arrest. The Louisville Metro Police Department did not immediately respond to Us’ request for comment regarding updates in the case.
Authorities said that their investigation remains ongoing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
