Nestor Hernandez is on trial for allegedly opening fire in a maternity ward at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, killing two workers. The prosecutor described the maternity ward as a place that should be safe and happy, but Hernandez’s actions shattered that image. The defense attorney asked jurors to consider all the evidence before making a decision. Testimony from Hernandez’s girlfriend provided details of the shooting. Hernandez had a history of criminal activity but had permission to be at the hospital. Hernandez’s actions resulted in the death of social worker Jacqueline Pokuaa and nurse Katie “Annette” Flowers. Toluwani Osibamowo reported
A Dallas prosecutor made a compelling argument in court, describing the horrific events that took place at Methodist Dallas Medical Center last year. Nestor Hernandez, the defendant, allegedly went on a shooting spree in the maternity ward, resulting in the deaths of two innocent workers. The prosecutor, George Lewis, emphasized that the maternity ward should be a place of joy and safety, where newborn babies are protected by their parents and the hospital staff. However, on October 22, 2022, that sense of security was shattered.
Nestor Hernandez, 31, is facing charges of capital murder of multiple people and two counts of aggravated assault. While the death penalty is not being sought in this case, a conviction would result in an automatic life sentence. Defense attorney Paul Johnson urged the jurors to carefully consider all the evidence before making a decision, suggesting that there may be unexpected twists and turns in the case.
One of the key witnesses in the trial was Selena Villatoro, Hernandez’s on-and-off girlfriend. She provided a detailed account of the shooting, offering information that went beyond the limited body camera and surveillance footage released by the police. Villatoro testified that she had known Hernandez since 2014 and that they had driven together to the hospital the day before the shooting for the birth of their baby boy. Everything seemed fine between them at that time.
However, when Hernandez entered Villatoro’s hospital room with a beer in hand, she became upset. According to Villatoro, Hernandez appeared intoxicated and began making phone calls to his family members, expressing love and telling them to “be good.” All the while, their newborn son slept peacefully in a bassinet in the same room. Villatoro described how Hernandez started opening the closet door and searching the room as if he was looking for someone. He then threw a table, spilling his beer, and struck Villatoro on the head with a gun she was unaware he had with him.
Villatoro recounted that Hernandez threatened both her and himself, declaring that they would die along with anyone else who entered the room. It was at this moment that Jacqueline Pokuaa, a social worker, entered the room to perform a routine check on Villatoro. Without warning, Hernandez shot Pokuaa. Villatoro, terrified for her life, believed that Hernandez was capable of killing her as well.
The sound of the initial gunshot caught the attention of Methodist Hospital Sergeant Robert Rangel, who was nearby. He approached the room and heard Villatoro screaming hysterically. As Rangel and nurse Katie “Annette” Flowers approached the room, a second shot rang out, hitting Flowers. Rangel witnessed Flowers clutching her neck, bleeding profusely. Fearing for the safety of others, Rangel knew he had to take action. He shot Hernandez in the leg as Hernandez appeared in the doorway of Villatoro’s room.
A tense standoff between Hernandez and the police ensued, captured on Rangel’s body camera. Hernandez demanded that Villatoro hand over their baby, while she pleaded with him to stop. Villatoro also begged the police not to shoot Hernandez, as she had already witnessed enough bloodshed. Eventually, Villatoro managed to throw Hernandez’s gun into the hallway, and officers apprehended him. Medical attention was given to Hernandez for his gunshot wound.
During the trial, defense attorney Paul Johnson hinted at possible motives for Hernandez’s actions, suggesting that he and Villatoro had arguments about her alleged infidelity. However, Villatoro denied these allegations, and paternity test results presented in court confirmed that Hernandez was indeed the father of their newborn child.
The families and colleagues of Jacqueline Pokuaa and Katie Flowers filled the courtroom, wearing purple in honor of Flowers’ favorite color. Kevin Bonsu, Pokuaa’s brother, testified about their close-knit family and his sister’s journey from Ghana to the United States, where she pursued a master’s degree in social work. Pokuaa had been working at Methodist Dallas for about a year before her tragic death, leaving behind a 13-year-old son who had to go live in Ghana after losing his mother.
Kelly Flowers, Katie Flowers’ daughter, spoke about her mother’s dedication to nursing, with 41 years of experience and 15 years at Methodist Dallas. She highlighted her mother’s passion for teaching new mothers how to care for their babies, including breastfeeding. Katie Flowers is survived by three other children and four grandchildren.
The trial continues with testimony and evidence, as the prosecution seeks justice for the victims and their families..