Texas Gov. Orders Investigation After 2 Parolees Accused of Murder While Wearing Ankle Monitors

Suspect Nestor Hernandez is shown in a June 18, 2022, photo. Dallas County jail via AP

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered two state criminal justice agencies to investigate lapses in the release and parole supervision of two prisoners accused of murder while wearing ankle monitors.

In a letter to the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles (BPP) and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), Abbott said the ankle monitors worn by the parolees did not deter their “heinous crimes.”

“In recent months, two prisoners who were on parole went on to commit brutal murders while wearing ankle monitors as a condition of their parole,” Abbott wrote in the letter. (pdf)

“In neither case were ankle monitors an effective deterrent to the heinous crimes they committed. Although nothing can be done to bring back these victims, Texas must protect Texas residents from similar acts.”

Nestor Hernandez, 30, is accused of killing a nurse and social worker in the labor and delivery unit at Methodist Dallas Medical Center on Oct. 22. He was paroled a year earlier after serving 80 percent of an eight-year sentence for aggravated robbery, according to TDCJ.

BPP granted leave for Hernandez to visit his girlfriend for the birth of their child. The suspect, wearing an ankle monitor, was in the woman’s room when he allegedly began acting strangely and accusing her of cheating on him. Hernandez pulled a gun from his pants and began striking her with the weapon while the newborn was in the room, police said, according to The Dallas Morning News.

The suspect, who was indicted by a grand jury earlier this month, told his girlfriend, “We are both going to die today,” and “whoever comes in this room is going to die with us,” according to the arrest warrant affidavit obtained by WFAA News.

Social worker Jacqueline Ama Pokuaa, 45, was shot as she entered the room to perform patient services. Nurse Katie Annette Flowers, 63, was shot when she opened the door to look inside the room. Both women died of their injuries.

Hernandez is charged with capital murder of multiple persons and remains in custody at the Dallas County Jail.

Less than two weeks later, a second parolee wearing an ankle monitor, Zeric Jackson, 36, was arrested in the shooting death of a 39-year-old Dallas man.

Jackson allegedly went to his girlfriend’s apartment, where he shot and killed Brian Dillard, who was visiting the woman. The girlfriend was in the shower when she heard the gunshot. Dillard was found on the floor.

Jackson has been charged with murder and is being held in the Dallas County Jail on a $1 million bond.

Abbott reminded the agencies of their responsibility to exercise prudence.

“Your respective agencies are responsible for deciding which inmates to release on parole (BPP) and then supervising those who have been released from prison (TDCJ),” the letter reads.

In both cases, the suspects had a history of violent crime.

Police said Hernandez had at least two parole violations earlier this year. Parole officials confirmed he had spent 100 days in custody prior to his last release on Sept. 28, according to WFAA.

Jackson was denied parole four times. After a fifth review, he was released in May with an ankle monitor. His girlfriend told police he had threatened to kill her two days before he allegedly shot Dillard.

TDCJ acknowledged receipt of Abbott’s letter, adding that it has already taken steps to help prevent future tragedies.

“TDCJ has received the letter and is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the supervision of Nestor Hernandez and Zeric Jackson,” a TDCJ spokesperson wrote in a statement to The Epoch Times.

“While the investigation is underway, the agency has already taken additional steps to prevent lapses in supervision, such as a review of policies and operations, additional training requirements for staff, and conducting compliance audits. TDCJ is committed to providing public safety and making any necessary changes to help prevent any future tragedies.”

Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said he appreciates the efforts of Abbott and the criminal agencies in taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of others.

“Violent crime accountability is a major issue, not only here in Dallas, or Texas, but nationally,” said Garcia in a statement to The Epoch Times.

“Although lives cannot be brought back, I applaud Governor Abbott, the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in doing their best to ensure the safety of our communities and, in turn, greatly assisting us in the process.”