May 15, 2026

Nurse Robbed, Murdered in Alabama Hospital Parking Lot

By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/ Gulf Coast News

May 15, 2026

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. A tragic, senseless murder of a north Alabama nurse has once again called attention to the rise in violence against healthcare workers.

A nurse, identified as 27-year-old Ada Doss was shot and killed in the south parking lot of the DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa.

According to the Tuscaloosa Sheriff’s Captain Jack Kennedy, with the violent crime’s unit, investigators identified the suspect involved in the shooting as 41-year-old Matthew James Taylor.

Kennedy said Taylor had been dropped off at DCH earlier in the day on his own request for help. However, he never entered the hospital or the emergency room; instead, he loitered on campus for several hours.

While on campus, Taylor reportedly tried to rob a woman who was already inside her car by waving a handgun and telling her to get out of her car. Police said the woman was able to drive away.

Shortly after, a nurse, identified as Doss, was walking to her car during shift change when police said she was approached by Taylor, who once again was flashing a handgun.

Authorities said Taylor tried to take Doss’ purse and during that interaction, he shot her with malice.
According to authorities, Doss died at the scene. Taylor then went through her purse while also trying to take her car.

Captain Kennedy stated that Tuscaloosa police responded, finding Taylor still armed and only feet away from where he had shot Doss. Authorities said Taylor showed signs of mental illness and he was taken into custody.

The 41-year-old, who has a reported limited criminal history, is facing charges that include capital murder. Police said there is no connection between Taylor and Doss.

“We are all grieving today. Ada Doss was a member of our DCH family,” the hospital shared in a statement. “This tragic crime was the result of a mental health crisis that could have taken place anywhere, but regretfully, it took place in our parking lot.”

Extreme violence against medical professionals ranging from paramedics to doctors have seen a substantial rise during the past fifteen years.

48% of recorded nonfatal injuries in healthcare are due to workplace violence, with healthcare workers experiencing more incidents than any other sector of private industry between 2021 and 2022.

91% of emergency physicians reported being a victim of violence or having a colleague who was, with 71% believing violence is getting worse.

57,610 nonfatal cases of workplace violence requiring days away from work occurred in 2021-2022, with women making up 72.5% of these cases.

54,000 nonfatal incidents of workplace violence in healthcare were reported in 2022, with night shifts accounting for about 30% of these incidents.

57,610 nonfatal cases of workplace violence requiring days away from work, job restriction, or transfer occurred in 2021-2022, with women making up 78.2% of these cases.
These statistics underscore the need for comprehensive safety systems and prevention programs to protect healthcare workers from the increasing risk of violence.