Caretaker charged for recording 92-year-old man suffocating his wife with plastic bag in senior living center, police say

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB+WAVE/Gray News) — A Kentucky woman’s designated caretaker was arrested after allegedly recording an incident in which her 92-year-old husband allegedly tried to suffocate her instead of helping the victim.

Bert Morris, 92, was charged Wednesday with attempted murder and first-degree strangulation.

According to Morris’ arrest citation, Louisville Metro Police officers responded to a senior living center after a report of a domestic violence incident.

Police said Morris was found pinching his wife’s nose after “placing a plastic bag over her face.” The citation said the bag could be seen sealing around her mouth and continued to tighten around her head while Morris held her nose.

According to the citation, Morris made a statement that his wife “needed to die.”

Terrence Gabie, 41, was also arrested Wednesday and is facing charges of knowingly abusing or neglecting an adult.

Court documents state Gabie recorded a 71-second video of the incident instead of helping the victim.

Another nurse had to intervene and separate the victim and Morris, court documents state.

Gabie was the victim’s designated caretaker during her time at the assisted living facility.

Morris’ wife was taken to a local hospital, where she was unconscious.

Morris pleaded not guilty in court Thursday. His bond was reduced from $250,000 to $150,000. He is scheduled to appear in court Nov. 6 for a preliminary hearing.

Gabie was also arraigned in court Thursday, where he pleaded not guilty and his bond was set at $10,000. He was released on a personal recognizance bond.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 6.