92-year-old man charged with attempted murder of wife warns judge he will 'die of old age' behind bars

A 92-year-old Louisville man accused of attempting to suffocate his wife at a local nursing home made a series of startling remarks as he exited the courtroom on Friday morning.

Bert Morris was formally charged with attempted murder and first-degree strangulation on October 28, following a response by Louisville police to Story Point Brownsboro nursing home, located in the 6700 block of Overlook Drive, after reports of a domestic violence incident were received.

According to the arrest citation, officers discovered Morris pinching his wife’s nose after “placing a plastic bag over her face.” The citation further noted that the bag was visibly sealing around her mouth and progressively tightening around her head as Morris continued to hold her nose.

Morris entered a not guilty plea in court subsequent to his arrest and remains in custody on a $150,000 cash bond.

The victim’s caretaker, Terrence Gabie, was also taken into custody and appeared before the court on Friday. Gabie stands accused of witnessing the incident and recording it in a 71-second video. Rather than intervening to stop Morris or assist the victim, authorities indicated that he showed the footage to a colleague, who subsequently contacted police.

Gabie was charged with knowingly abusing or neglecting an adult. He entered a not guilty plea and was released on his own recognizance under a $10,000 bond.

During Friday’s court proceedings, Morris’ attorney informed Judge Kristina Garvey that they were unwilling to proceed with the hearing, citing a “medical emergency” involving Morris.

Morris was observed in the courtroom with a bandage on his injured hand. Judge Garvey responded, “It’s not a medical emergency. He’s got a bloody hand,” and directed sheriff’s deputies to escort him into the courtroom.

Morris entered wearing an orange jumpsuit, claiming to be blind and using a wheelchair as a mobility aid.

“No release, right? Yeah, that’s right. OK. Even at 92, huh?” Morris remarked as he departed the courtroom. “I’ll die of old age.”

Morris is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on November 16. Gabie’s legal counsel requested additional time to review the case, a request which Judge Garvey granted.