A Fort Worth family is stunned as Canadian suspect Gary Morton, who allegedly caused a fatal wrong-way drunk crash, seeks to remain in Canada for treatment.
The Crash and Charges
The crash, which took place in November in Fort Worth, left one person dead and two others injured. 22-year-old Totiana Samuels, a mother of two, was killed. Her sister and a co-worker sustained injuries. Prosecutors allege Morton was driving drunk and wrong-way, and he faces charges of intoxicated manslaughter and intoxicated assault.
Court Proceedings and Defense Argument
Morton did not appear in Tarrant County District Court on Wednesday. Through his attorney, Dan Haygood, Morton asked Judge Andy Porter to allow him to remain in Canada to receive free healthcare. Haygood told the judge that his client was not present, had not yet seen an orthopedic surgeon in Canada for injuries he allegedly suffered, and needed time to heal before returning to North Texas.
Haygood highlighted that Canada offers free healthcare but has delays in scheduling appointments. He listed the injuries Morton sustained and said his client needs assistance to move around. Morton is scheduled to see a surgeon on Monday, according to his attorney.
The defense also noted that Morton was released from Harris Hospital and “put out on the street” with no connections to the area, leaving because he was “free to travel.”
Family Reaction
Totiana Samuels’ aunt, Dorothy Carey, expressed heartbreak and frustration in a statement to NBC 5: “He was able to run back to Canada, but now suddenly needs medical sympathy – while my niece is gone forever, and another niece’s life is changed forever,” she said. Samuels added, “Accountability matters.”
Prosecutors and District Attorney’s Position
The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office argued against any delay, stating there is no justification for postponing the case further. Judge Porter agreed with the state but did not set a specific return date for Morton.
Key Takeaways
- Canadian suspect Gary Morton, accused of a fatal wrong-way drunk crash, has not appeared in court and seeks to stay in Canada for treatment.
- The family demands accountability, citing the death of Totiana Samuels and injuries to her sister and a co-worker.
- The court faces a balance between the suspect’s medical needs and the demands of the criminal justice system.
The case continues to unfold as the court deliberates on how to proceed while addressing the suspect’s health and the community’s demand for justice.
