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Court Appearance and Request
Gary Morton, the suspect, did not appear in Tarrant County District Court on Wednesday. Through his attorney, Morton asked Judge Andy Porter to allow him to remain in Canada to receive free healthcare.
NBC 5 has been following the case since receiving a tip questioning Morton’s whereabouts after a potential discrepancy was discovered in his address on file.
The possible error may have affected his release and could complicate his return to Fort Worth, where he faces charges of intoxicated manslaughter and intoxicated assault.
Charges and Allegations
Prosecutors allege Morton was driving drunk and the wrong way in Fort Worth when the crash occurred, killing 22‑year‑old Totiana Samuels, a mother of two, and injuring her sister and a co‑worker.
Defense attorney Dan Haygood told the court that Morton had not yet seen an orthopedic surgeon in Canada for injuries he allegedly suffered in the crash.
Medical and Legal Arguments
Haygood said Morton was released from Harris Hospital and “put out on the street” with no connections to the area and left because he was “free to travel.” He noted that while Canada has free healthcare, there are delays in getting medical appointments and asked the court to allow Morton “time to heal” before requiring him to return to North Texas for court proceedings. 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.
District Attorney and Judge Response
The Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office argued against any delay, saying there is no justification for postponing the case further. Judge Porter agreed with the state but did not set a specific return date.
Family Reaction
Totiana Samuels’ aunt, Dorothy Samuels, 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. “Accountability matters,” Samuels added.
Key Takeaways
- Gary Morton, a Canadian national, has not appeared in court and seeks to stay in Canada for medical care.
- Prosecutors charge him with intoxicated manslaughter and assault after a deadly wrong‑way crash.
- The family demands accountability while Morton’s legal team requests time to heal.
The case remains pending as the court weighs the defendant’s medical needs against the state’s interest in proceeding with charges.
Hi, I’m Cameron R. Hayes, the journalist, editor, and creator behind NewsOfFortWorth.com. I built this platform with a simple purpose — to deliver fast, clear, and trustworthy news that keeps Fort Worth informed and connected.
I’ve spent more than five years working in digital media, reporting on breaking news, local government, public safety, business growth, community events, and the real stories that shape life in Fort Worth. My goal has always been the same: to provide accurate, community-focused reporting that people can rely on every day.
