92-year-old man charged in strangulation case tells judge he will die in custody

Bert Morris left the Louisville courtroom on Friday morning with a Band-Aid on his hand and a declaration that he would spend his final years in custody. The 92-year-old defendant, who faces charges of attempted murder and first-degree strangulation, told the judge, "I’ll die of old age." He is currently held on a $150,000 cash bond after pleading not guilty.

The alleged crime took place on Oct. 28 at Story Point Brownsboro nursing home on Overlook Drive. Police responded to the facility after receiving a report of a domestic violence incident. According to the arrest citation, officers discovered Morris pinching his wife’s nose after placing a plastic bag over her face. The document states that the bag sealed around her mouth and continued to tighten around her head while Morris held her nose shut.

Terrence Gabie, the victim’s caretaker, was also arrested and appeared in court the same day as Morris. Police said Gabie watched the incident unfold and recorded a 71-second video of it. Instead of intervening or assisting the victim, Gabie showed the footage to a co-worker, who then called the police. Gabie was charged with knowingly abusing or neglecting an adult. He pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recogniance with a $10,000 bond.

During the Friday proceedings, Morris’ attorney requested that the hearing be postponed due to a medical emergency. Judge Kristina Garvey observed that Morris had a bloody hand and a Band-Aid but ruled that it was not a medical emergency. She ordered the sheriff’s deputies to bring him into the courtroom. Morris walked in wearing an orange jumpsuit. He described himself as blind and used a wheelchair as a walker.

As he departed the courtroom, Morris commented on his lack of release. He asked, "No release, right? Yeah, that’s right. OK. Even at 92, huh?" before repeating his statement about dying of old age in jail. The judge kept the case moving despite the defendant’s physical condition.

Morris is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 16 for a preliminary hearing. In the meantime, the lawyers for Gabie requested additional time to review the case details. Judge Garvey granted that motion, allowing the caretaker’s legal team more time to prepare their defense.

The case highlights the specific allegations against both men regarding the victim's care and the sequence of events during the incident at the nursing home. The court has set the stage for the next legal steps for both defendants.