DALLAS, TEXAS – The capital murder trial of 31-year-old convicted felon Nestor Hernandez, accused of fatally shooting two hospital workers at the Methodist Dallas Medical Center last year, is drawing to a close. Both the state and defense presented their cases on Wednesday, with closing arguments expected on Thursday.

The case gained national attention last year after social worker Jacqueline Pokuaa and nurse Annette Flowers were killed on the labor and delivery floor of the hospital. Hernandez, who took the stand in his defense on Wednesday, admitted to carrying a gun and a beer into the hospital following the birth of his son. He described a violent encounter with his girlfriend, during which he struck her and injured her, before shooting Pokuaa and Flowers.

According to Dallas Chief of Police Eddie Garcia, after assaulting his girlfriend, Hernandez shot Pokuaa as she provided care to the patient. He then shot Flowers, who was in the hallway, before being confronted by a hospital security officer and injuring him. Hernandez pleaded not guilty to the charges, claiming that the shootings were not intentional and that he was in a state of panic.

Testimony presented on Wednesday from forensic and crime scene investigators, as well as the medical examiner, contradicted Hernandez’s account of the events. The medical examiner reported that both victims were shot at close range, and a drug analysis revealed that Hernandez had ketamine and methamphetamine in his system at the time of the incident.

As the state concluded its case, the defense put Hernandez on the stand, where he testified that he did not mean to kill anyone. The defense rested shortly after, and closing arguments are expected to begin on Thursday. If convicted of capital murder, Hernandez faces a life sentence without the possibility of parole.

The trial also featured emotional testimony from witnesses, including Hernandez’s ex-girlfriend, who described the terrifying ordeal she endured at the hospital. The case has prompted legislative action in Texas, leading to the passage of a law that imposes felony charges on parolees and individuals out on bond who knowingly tamper with their ankle monitors.