Nurse Accused of Lying About Rounds After Veteran Left Unchecked, Dies by Suicide Feds Say

Disclaimer: This article discusses topics related to suicide, mental health, and workplace distress. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please know that help is available. You can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Support is available 24/7, and you are not alone. For more information and resources, please visit afsp.org.

Federal prosecutors have charged former Houston VA nurse Christiana Ogbonnaya with making or using false writings or documents in connection with the death of 74-year-old Vietnam veteran James Duplechain. The charges come nearly a year after Duplechain’s body was discovered hanging from a phone charging cable in his hospital room, where it had reportedly been left unchecked for about eight hours.

Alleged Negligence and Falsified Records

According to court documents, Ogbonnaya allegedly claimed to have checked on Duplechain three times between 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. during her overnight shift on July 26, 2024, when she was responsible for three patients, including Duplechain. Specifically, she told investigators that she checked on him at 11:10 p.m., 1:15 a.m., and 2:55 a.m. However, federal prosecutors say she never made those rounds. Instead, investigators allege she last saw Duplechain alive at 8:45 p.m. that night and did not enter his room again until 4:40 a.m. the following morning, when she discovered him unresponsive. He was pronounced dead about 30 minutes later, at 5:05 a.m.

When reached for comment by ABC13, Ogbonnaya reportedly hung up the phone. The station also tried to reach her attorney but received no response.

Family’s Push for Answers

Duplechain’s family has been searching for answers for the past 10 months. They burst into tears when ABC13 broke the news of Ogbonnaya’s charges. While his widow declined an interview, she told reporters she believes her husband might still be alive if the nurse had conducted the required checks that night.

Nursing License Under Review

Despite the criminal charge, Ogbonnaya is still a licensed nurse, according to Texas Board of Nursing records. Her license remains active through next year, though the board confirmed it is investigating the matter in light of the allegations.

Remembering James Duplechain

Duplechain’s obituary described him as a U.S. Army veteran who served in the Vietnam War. After returning from the service, he worked in refineries and construction before spending nearly three decades as an operator at Bayer Chemical. It also highlighted his love for dogs, family, and working outdoors, calling him a “strong, great man.” It continued, “James set an exemplary example as a husband, father and grandfather. He was spiritually strong and compassionate and had a clever sense of humor. Above all, he loved and cherished his family and friends.”

Potential Penalties

If convicted, Ogbonnaya could face up to five years in prison. The case against her, initially filed on May 7, was unsealed a handful of days later.

The Houston VA released a statement to ABC13 confirming that Ogbonnaya is no longer an employee, adding, “These allegations are abhorrent, and the Houston VA is cooperating fully with law enforcement as its investigation continues.”

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Support and treatment are available, and recovery is possible.

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