(CNN) — A 30-year-old registered nurse faces capital murder charges in the death of a Houston-area woman and the abduction of the victim’s newborn son, according to an arrest report.
Verna McClain of Houston was arrested just before midnight Tuesday, according to the report. She is accused of fatally shooting Kala Golden, 28, outside a pediatrician’s office earlier in the day and kidnapping Golden’s 3-day-old son, Keegan Schuchardt.
The baby was found about six hours later, authorities said, and was being reunited with his father.
According to the arrest report, Golden was leaving the Northwoods Pediatric Center in the Houston suburb of Spring, carrying Keegan, when the incident took place.
“The defendant confronted Mrs. Golden and shot her multiple times in the parking lot,” the report said, then took the baby and left. CNN affiliate KTRK reported that the suspect struck Golden as she screamed and attempted to chase after the car. Golden, who was shot repeatedly, died at a hospital.
McClain’s vehicle was found at an apartment complex, according to the report. McClain returned to the apartment as the investigation was continuing and asked to speak to police, the report said.
“She admitted to shooting Mrs. Golden and taking her baby,” the arrest report said. “The defendant admitted to taking the child to her residence in Harris County, which is where Keegan was later located.”
During an interview with authorities, McClain provided information that only someone at the scene would know, the report said.
KTRK reported the baby was found at a home in north Harris County.
McClain’s sister, Corina Jackson, told police her sister had said she would be adopting a child soon.
“After killing Golden and kidnapping Keegan, defendant stated to Corina that she now had the child and would be needing to do the adoption, indicating that the abduction of the child was her motive for killing Golden,” the report said.
Authorities said Tuesday that Golden and the woman parked next to her at the doctor’s office apparently spoke to one another or argued before the shooting.
“They were talking,” witness Tia Collins told KTRK. “I did see the lady get out, and they were struggling.” She said she heard gunshots and saw Golden fall.
The shooting shocked many in Spring, 20 miles north of Houston.
Jennifer Hartis, a friend of the victim, was one of the many left wondering why.
“She never did anything wrong. She’s just a mom doing her best to take care of her kids, and I miss her,” Hartis told KPRC. “Keegan is only 3 days old. He’s needs to know his mom, and she can’t do that now. “
Henry Schuchardt, Keegan’s paternal grandfather, told the affiliate he was searching for answers.
“I wished I knew. I wished I knew,” the crestfallen grandfather said. “I don’t know how they could do this.”
