Man sentenced to 24 years in prison for fatally stabbing North Carolina nurse

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — A man found guilty of fatally stabbing a Durham nurse has been sentenced to a minimum of 24 years in prison.

June Onkundi was working as nurse practitioner at the Freedom House Recovery Center on Oct. 18, 2022 when the Durham District Attorney’s Office said a patient, James Robert Gomes, came in for a medication management appointment.

According to the Durham DA’s office, witnesses reported hearing screams and found Gomes standing over Onkundi stabbing her with a knife. Coworkers attempted to intervene and one was able to take the knife from Gomes.

Gomes was taken into custody and told law enforcement that he had recently stopped taking medication for schizophrenia. He said he stabbed Onkundi because a voice in his head told him to “destroy” her.

Gomes pleaded guilty on Aug. 26 to second-degree murder in Onkundi’s death. He was sentenced to a minimum of 24 years to a maximum of 30 years in prison.

“This was a horrific act of violence that took the life of a generous, bright individual who was loved by her family and friends,” Durham District Attorney Satana Deberry said.

“While this sentence does not bring Ms. Onkundi back, it does ensure Mr. Gomes is held accountable and demonstrates how seriously the Durham DA’s Office takes violence in our community.”

Onkundi’s death sparked conversations about elevated levels of violence nurses experience in the workplace. A survey of nurses by the North Carolina Nurses Association found nearly half of all nurses witness workplace violence while a quarter experienced it themselves.

Tina Gordon, the CEO of the North Carolina Nurse’s Association where Onkundi was a member, said the association is still heartbroken by what happened. “It’s a sad story, but it’s also a familiar story,” she said. “We hear stories of nurses who are attacked and sometimes killed in the workplace in North Carolina, and across the country, on a very regular basis and unfortunately that frequency is increasing.”

Gordon said several local healthcare providers have increased security, both through personnel and through tools like metal detectors and signs. “There are increased measures that some folks are putting in place, and we love to see that, I think we need to see more of that,” she said. Gordon added there also needs to be more access to mental health resources.

Julla Panneh, who worked with Onkundi before Onkundi worked at the Durham outpatient clinic, shared the following message with CBS 17:

“The conviction brings a sense of closure for many who were deeply affected by this tragedy. While nothing can undo the pain of losing her, knowing that justice has been served provides some measure of relief. She was a remarkable person dedicated to her family and patients, and it’s comforting to see that the legal system has taken her story seriously. “

“ This case also highlights the urgent need to prevent violence against healthcare workers. It’s crucial that we continue to advocate for stronger protections and support systems to ensure that those who dedicate their lives to caring for others are safe and respected in their work environments. Our focus remains on honoring her memory and supporting her loved ones during this time.”

Okundi’s sister shared with CBS 17 after her passing that Okundi worked as a mental health nurse for years. Her family hopes Onkundi’s story can help ensure other health care workers are safe.

CBS 17 asked Freedom House Recovery Center if any changes have been made since Onkundi’s death. We are waiting to hear back.

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