Mental health nurse practitioner was killed by patient in stabbing, family says

A family member of June Onkundi said she loved her job as a mental health nurse practitioner. The family member said she was on the job when she was stabbed by her own patient. James Gomes is facing a first-degree murder charge.
Full story: https://www.wral.com/mental-health-nurse-practitioner-was-killed-by-patient-in-stabbing-family-says/20527326/

The Durham Police Department said it is investigating a fatal stabbing that happened Tuesday afternoon in the 400 block of Crutchfield Street.
Police said officers responded to a disturbance with a weapon call just after 1:40 p.m. Tuesday. When they arrived, they discovered that June Onkundi had been stabbed.
Onkundi was taken to the hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

On Thursday, North Carolina Nurses Association President Meka Ingram released a statement about Onkundi’s death.

“We are heartbroken by the senseless death of our colleague and fellow NCNA member, June Onkundi,” Ingram wrote. “Our prayers go out to her friends and family. She dedicated her life to helping others and we should all be proud of the positive impact she had on some of the most vulnerable patients. Her loss has shaken the nursing profession throughout North Carolina.

“Violence in the workplace is one of the greatest challenges facing nurses, and the problem has grown exponentially over the last few years. It is my desperate hope that June Onkundi’s death serves as a turning point and that those of us in healthcare can truly begin to address this problem.”

The suspect, James Gomes, was still on the scene Tuesday when officers arrived and police said he was taken into custody. Gomes, 47, is facing a first-degree murder charge.

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