TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WIAT) — Authorities report that a man accused of murdering a nurse at DCH Regional Medical Center’s parking lot had previously been brought to the hospital experiencing a mental health crisis. The incident occurred earlier the same day.
Matthew James Taylor, aged 41, faces charges of capital murder for the fatal shooting of Ada Doss, a 27-year-old nurse at the medical facility. The tragic event unfolded in the hospital’s parking lot on Tuesday afternoon. Doss, who was married and the mother of two daughters, was shot and killed during the encounter.
According to Captain Jack Kennedy from the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit, the shooting transpired shortly before 4 p.m. Surveillance footage captured Taylor’s approach towards Doss, attempting to snatch her purse and subsequently shooting her once, resulting in her death. Following the incident, Taylor rifled through Doss’ purse and attempted to steal her vehicle.
“Video evidence and a witness account revealed that moments before targeting our victim, the suspect tried to rob another person. Fortunately, that individual managed to drive off and evade the robbery,” Kennedy explained.
Further investigation and Taylor’s own statements suggest that he exhibits signs of mental illness. Earlier that day, Taylor was transported to the hospital by a family friend at his own behest, as he sought help for his condition.
“However, Taylor never entered the hospital or the emergency room and instead loitered about the DCH campus for several hours,” he said.
It is not known how Taylor, who has little to no criminal history, with the exception of an arrest that has been sealed under the youthful offender statute, was able to get a gun.
Taylor is being held at the Tuscaloosa County Jail on no bond.