A Minnesota Hospital Patient Charged with Murder After Brutal Attack on Security Guard
A deranged Minnesota hospital patient was charged with murder after ruthlessly beating a security guard to death while trying to flee the facility on Christmas Day, prosecutors said.
Jonathan Winch, 35, was attempting to bolt from the emergency department while on a medical hold at M Health Fairview Lakes Hospital in Wyoming Thursday night when he viciously attacked 43-year-old Andrea Merrell outside the building, according to a criminal complaint obtained by KARE 11.
Merrell, who was found unresponsive at the gruesome scene, died two days later from her injuries.
“Andrea was a valued member of our security team, and our hearts are with her loved ones and coworkers during the incredibly difficult time,” M Health Fairview said in a statement to the outlet.
“We are focused on supporting our teams and ensuring they have the resources they need.”
Violent Attack Caught on Surveillance Footage
Prosecutors said surveillance footage captured the shirtless runaway patient fighting with the officer in the parking lot around 5:30 p.m. before pinning her to the ground and unleashing a flurry of blows.
When backup finally arrived, the victim — who was working the Christmas night shift — was critically injured and unconscious on the ground. Winch then tried to get into her security vehicle before leaping onto the windshield of a responding squad car, according to the court documents.
The erratic suspect, who ignored officers’ repeated demands, was eventually tased to the ground but continued to spar with cops for several minutes — while allegedly shouting “I didn’t mean to hurt her” — before he was finally arrested, prosecutors said, the outlet reported.
It’s unclear why Winch, of St. Croix Falls, Wis., was in the hospital or placed on a medical hold.
Justice for Andrea Merrell
Merrell’s died from traumatic head injuries due to physical assault, the Ramsey County Medical Examiner ruled, KARE reported.
The victim, who also reportedly served as a reserve police officer with the White Bear Police Department and fire department, was remembered by her devastated best friends for her quirky personality and warm-hearted soul.
“She was the most kind-hearted soul,” friend Health Miller told the outlet.
“Anybody she came in contact with instantly loved her because she was just that kind of person.”
Pam Heaton said her slain bestie would always stroll the hospital, chatting with staff and patients during her shifts.
“I think most people knew her because she’d sit and have conversations with everybody there and just make them feel safe and welcome. She was supposed to be our friend for her life, and that was taken away from us.”
Winch was charged with second-degree murder and is being held on a $2 million bond, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.
He was reportedly also ordered to undergo a mental competency exam while in custody.
Winch is due back in court on Jan. 27.
