Louisville, Kentucky — A retirement home caregiver in Kentucky has been arrested after police alleged he recorded a 71-second video of a 92-year-old woman being suffocated by her husband instead of stepping in to help her.
Terrence Gabie, 41, was arrested Wednesday and charged with knowingly abusing or neglecting an adult, according to the Louisville Metro Police Department. The investigation is connected to a separate case involving Bert Morris, an elderly man accused of attempting to kill his wife at the StoryPoint Brownsboro retirement community.
The incident has raised questions about the actions of staff members responsible for protecting vulnerable residents inside assisted living facilities.
What Happened at StoryPoint Brownsboro?
Police responded shortly after midnight Wednesday following a report of a domestic violence incident at StoryPoint Brownsboro, located in the 6700 block of Overlook Drive in Louisville.
When officers arrived, they learned that staff members had intervened during an alleged assault involving an elderly female resident.
According to investigators, Morris allegedly placed a plastic bag over his wife’s face and then pinched her nose, preventing her from breathing.
Emergency medical personnel were called to the scene, and the woman was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Authorities later learned more about the alleged attack through video footage obtained during the investigation. However, police say the recording also revealed the actions of a retirement home employee who was supposed to be caring for the victim.
Caregiver Allegedly Recorded 71-Second Video
Investigators identified the employee as 41-year-old Terrence Gabie, who was reportedly the woman’s designated caregiver at the facility.
According to court documents cited in the report, Gabie allegedly witnessed Morris attempting to suffocate his wife but pulled out his phone and recorded the incident instead of providing assistance.
The recording reportedly lasted 71 seconds.
Police alleged that Gabie failed to provide aid or assistance despite knowing the woman was in danger. Authorities said the attack continued until another nurse intervened and stopped Morris.
Gabie’s alleged failure to assist became a separate part of the investigation. He was subsequently arrested and charged with knowingly abusing or neglecting an adult.
The case highlights the importance of timely intervention when residents of retirement communities face immediate threats to their safety.
Husband Also Arrested in Alleged Suffocation Attempt
The investigation also led to the arrest of Bert Morris, the woman’s 92-year-old husband.
He faces charges of attempted murder relating to domestic violence and strangulation in the first degree, according to the report. During questioning by police, Morris allegedly told investigators that his wife “needed to die.”
Authorities have not released additional details about what may have led to the alleged confrontation or whether the couple had experienced previous incidents involving domestic violence.
Both arrests are connected to the same incident, but the charges against the two men involve separate alleged actions.
Retirement Community Responds to Investigation
StoryPoint Brownsboro acknowledged the incident in a statement provided to local ABC affiliate WHAS. The facility said it was working closely with law enforcement authorities and fully cooperating with the investigation.
“While we are unable to comment on specific details at this time, the safety, well-being, and peace of mind of our residents remain our highest priority and at the heart of everything we do,” the statement read.
The retirement community did not provide additional information about the employees involved or the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.
What Is Known About the Elderly Woman’s Condition?
The woman’s current medical condition remains unclear.
She was transported to a local hospital after emergency responders arrived at the retirement community, but authorities have not released an update regarding her recovery or whether she continues to receive treatment.
Investigators have also not disclosed whether additional evidence or witness statements could lead to further developments in the case.
For now, the investigation involves allegations against both the woman’s husband and the caregiver who was reportedly responsible for assisting her.
The case has drawn attention to resident safety and the responsibilities of caregivers in facilities serving elderly people who may depend on staff for immediate protection and assistance.
What do you think should happen when a caregiver allegedly fails to help a vulnerable resident during an emergency? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
