Jacqueline Ama Pokuaa, a 45-year-old social worker originally from Ghana, was killed on October 22, 2022, at Methodist Dallas Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. She was one of two women shot in the hospital’s maternity ward when a visitor, 30-year-old Nestor Hernandez, became agitated after visiting his girlfriend who had just given birth. According to police reports, Hernandez pulled out a handgun, struck his girlfriend in the head with the weapon, and made statements about harming anyone who entered the room. Pokuaa was shot after entering the room; Nurse Katie Annette Flowers was shot moments later in the hallway. Hernandez was detained by hospital police officer Sgt. Robert Rangel, who shot Hernandez in the leg; Hernandez was taken to another hospital for treatment.

Hernandez later admitted to shooting the two women but claimed the shootings were accidental. A jury found him guilty of capital murder and he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Pokuaa’s family, friends, and colleagues remembered her as calm, caring, and dedicated to helping others. If anyone knew Jacqueline Ama Pokuaa or has information about her life or the incident, please share what you can.