Dallas, Texas – The families of two hospital workers who tragically lost their lives in a shooting at Methodist Dallas Medical Center in 2022 have taken legal action, filing separate lawsuits against the perpetrator, the hospital system, and the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles. Nestor Hernandez was convicted of capital murder for the deaths of social worker Jacqueline Pokuaa, 45, and nurse Katie “Annette” Flowers, 63, on October 22, 2022. Hernandez, who was on parole for aggravated robbery at the time, is currently serving a life sentence in prison without the possibility of parole.
One of the lawsuits, filed by Sarah Flowers, alleges that the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles failed to take appropriate action despite numerous ankle monitor violations by Hernandez prior to the shooting. The suit claims that the board’s negligence directly led to the death of Katie Annette Flowers. However, representatives for the board declined to comment on the case, and Hernandez’s defense attorney clarified that he does not represent Hernandez in the civil lawsuits.
During Hernandez’s trial, it was revealed that he entered the hospital’s labor and delivery floor with a beer can a day after his then-girlfriend gave birth. An argument between Hernandez and his girlfriend escalated, leading to him threatening to kill her, himself, and anyone else in the room. Hernandez testified that he shot Pokuaa and Flowers unintentionally in a panic while under the influence of drugs.
Records show that Hernandez had previous felony convictions, including robbery, burglary, and drug possession. Despite his criminal history, he was able to enter the hospital without proper security measures in place. Pokuaa’s mother filed a lawsuit against both Hernandez and Methodist Dallas Medical Center, alleging that the hospital should have had better security given the surrounding high-crime area and Hernandez’s criminal record.
The lawsuit also highlighted lapses in security protocols at the hospital, including the fact that Hernandez was able to access the maternity floor without proper identification. A spokesperson for Methodist Health System did not respond immediately to requests for comment on the lawsuit or the security measures implemented following the shooting.
The legal cases surrounding the tragic events at Methodist Dallas Medical Center shed light on the need for improved safety measures and accountability in similar healthcare settings. The impact of the shooting continues to ripple through the lives of the victims’ families, prompting important conversations about parole oversight and hospital security policies. The lawsuits seek not only justice for the lives lost but also systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.