Methodist Dallas Medical Center gunman kills two maternity ward nurses
The shooter reportedly opened fire after accusing his girlfriend, a patient at the hospital, of infidelity.
Methodist Dallas Medical Center at sunset
Photo: simsphoto/Getty Images
Dallas police have identified the two healthcare workers who were shot and killed by a gunman at the Methodist Dallas Medical Center on Saturday.
Nestor Hernandez, 30, shot and killed two nurses who reportedly worked in the maternity ward at the hospital before being wounded by a police officer and taken into custody.
One of the victims was Jacqueline Pokuaa, 45, according to the Dallas County Medical Examiner and reported by Fox4. Pokuaa was reportedly from Ghana. The second victim is nurse Annette Flowers.
The two women were shot and killed in the mother/baby unit of the hospital on Saturday around 11 a.m. Hernandez was paroled on Oct. 20, 2021, after serving a prison sentence for aggravated robbery, according to an ABC report. He was reportedly granted permission to be at the hospital to join his significant other during the delivery of their baby. Hernandez is facing capital murder charges.
No motive has been given for the shooting. But the New York Post reported that the warrant for Hernandez, who was attending the birth of his child, showed he opened fire after accusing his girlfriend of infidelity and warning that he would shoot the next person who came through the door.
The state Office of Inspector General is working with the Dallas Police Department as they investigate.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Violence is estimated to be four times more prevalent in healthcare than in other industries, with those in the nursing profession facing the brunt of assaults. The pandemic added new stressors and exacerbated those already present, leading to an uptick in workplace violence against clinicians across the country.
More than two nurses were assaulted every hour on average in the second quarter of this year, translating to roughly 57 assaults per day, 1,739 assaults per month and 5,217 assaults per quarter, according to data released by Press Ganey.
Several states have been considering bills that would offer some form of protection for healthcare workers, whether from physical or verbal assault, or other forms of abuse.
THE LARGER TREND
Ten hospitals carry the Methodist Health System brand, as owners or through affiliation.
On October 22, at approximately 11 a.m., Methodist Health System Police, the Dallas Police Department, and Dallas Fire-Rescue responded to an active shooter call at Methodist Dallas Medical Center.
A Methodist Health System Police Officer reportedly confronted the suspect and fired his weapon, injuring him. The suspect was detained, stabilized, and taken to another local hospital.
ON THE RECORD
A statement from Methodist Health System executive leadership read: "The Methodist Health System Family is heartbroken at the loss of two of our beloved team members. Our entire organization is grieving this unimaginable tragedy. During this devastating time, we want to ensure our patients, physicians, employees, and community that Methodist Dallas Medical Center is safe, and there is no ongoing threat. Our prayers are with our lost co-workers and their families, as well as our entire Methodist family. We appreciate the community's support during this difficult time."
Twitter: @SusanJMorse
Email the writer: SMorse@himss.org
