Texas inmate charged after punching pregnant hospital worker, killing unborn child, reports say

A Texas inmate has been charged with murder after authorities reportedly said she punched a pregnant hospital worker in the stomach, killing her unborn child.

Cheri Akil, 39, was arrested on April 12 and charged with murder, driving while intoxicated and operating an illicit game room, according to the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office jail records.

The attack took place April 12 at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth while a pregnant hospital worker was treating Akil, who had been in the custody of the sheriff's office, local outlets including WFAA reported, citing the sheriff's office.

The sheriff's office said the inmate was being restrained at the time due to having suicidal tendencies, local media including CBS Texas reported. As the hospital worker stood next to the inmate's bed, authorities said Akil punched the hospital worker in the stomach.

The sheriff's office could not immediately be reached for comment by Paste BN.

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The hospital employee was taken to the hospital's trauma unit, where workers determined her unborn child did not have a pulse and had died, the sheriff's office told local media.

Akil remained jailed without bond on Wednesday, online records showed.

Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.