Dallas man allegedly shoots 2 nurses after girlfriend he accused of cheating gives birth

DALLAS (TCD) -- A 30-year-old man stands accused of fatally shooting two hospital employees after his girlfriend had just given birth.

According to a news release from the Dallas Police Department, on Saturday, Oct. 22, at approximately 10:21 a.m., Nestor Hernandez entered the labor and delivery unit of Methodist Dallas Medical Center, where his girlfriend had just given birth. There, he allegedly pulled out a handgun and hit her repeatedly.

Hernandez accused his girlfriend of cheating on him while their newborn was in the same room, KDFW-TV reports. He reportedly told her, "We are both going to die today" and "Whoever comes in this room is going to die with us."

After hitting the patient, police said a 45-year-old hospital employee, Jaqueline Pokuaa, went into the room to care for the patient, and Hernandez reportedly shot her. Another nurse, Katie Flowers, 63, reportedly overheard the gunshot and peered into the room from the hallway. Police said the suspect also shot her. Both Flowers and Pokuaa reportedly died.

Police said Methodist Medical System Sergeant Robert Rangel heard both gunshots and called for help on his radio.

According to police, Hernandez left the hospital room, and Rangel fired his gun and hit the suspect in the leg. Hernandez reportedly fled back to the hospital room and a short standoff with police ensued.

Hernandez was taken into custody and was treated at another local hospital for his leg. According to police, he was charged with capital murder.

KDFW reports that Hernandez was on parole from state prison stemming from an alleged aggravated robbery in 2015, but he had permission to be with his girlfriend for the birth.

On Monday, Oct. 24, Dallas County Criminal District Attorney John Cruezot said in a statement, "I remain sickened, stunned, and heartbroken by the senseless shooting at Methodist Hospital. Given the sacrifices our health care workers make on a daily basis, they should be free from threats of violence, especially in an area that is typically filled with the celebration of new life."

MORE:

• Dallas Police Investigate Homicide and Officer-Involved Shooting at Methodist Dallas Medical Center - Dallas Police Department
• Dallas County Criminal District Attorney John Creuzot Offers Statement in Response to Deadly Shooting at Methodist Hospital - Dallas County District Attorney’s Office
• Dallas hospital shooting suspect accused girlfriend of cheating before killing 2 workers, affidavit says - KDFW