Terminally ill pediatrician Bharat Narumanchi killed himself and another pediatrician, Lindley Dodson, during a hostage situation at a children’s medical center in Texas on Tuesday.
The case is being tried as a suicide homicide, according to investigators. Narumanchi was diagnosed as terminally ill with cancer and was only a few weeks old, policeman said.
Narumanchi applied for a volunteer at the medical center a week before the attack, which was the first and only time that Dodson and Narumanchi had contact, officials say.
“Dr. Dodson never had direct contact with this man until yesterday, “Victoria Ishaak, a center employee at the time of the incident, told the Austin American-Statesman.
There were five hostages at the beginning of the incident. Some escaped and others Narumanchi was allowed to leave. Dodson was the only one forced to stay.
“They were released because they were not doctors,” said Ishaak. “This guy wanted nothing to do with someone other than a doctor.”
There was a long standoff with the Austin Police SWAT officers who tried to establish contact with Narumanchi during the situation. The police finally entered and found Dodson dead in a gunshot wound, along with Narumanchi.
“We are devastated by the tragic, sudden and meaningless loss of our beloved Lindley. As a mother, wife, daughter, friend and dedicated pediatrician, she radiated light, love and joy in everything she did and everyone she touched, ”said the Dodson family in a statement, Reported KVUE.
Texas Rep. Lloyd Doggett
Lloyd Alton DoggettA attack on America that divided Congress – and a capitol police say reports of the death of an officer are wrong. Congress must revoke tax incentives for the rich, approved by the CARES MAIS Law (D) tweeted his condolences to Dodson, who took care of his grandchildren.
Last night, in a horrible act of armed violence, one of our most qualified and compassionate pediatricians, Dr. Lindley Dodson, was held hostage and murdered in her Austin office. She took care of our 2 youngest grandchildren and many other children throughout the community. pic.twitter.com/98BhHyycVw
– Lloyd Doggett (@RepLloydDoggett) January 27, 2021
It is not clear why Narumanchi did what he did, but the authorities are speculating that his diagnosis of terminal illness played a big role in that.