Minnesota Hospital Patient Charged with Murder
A patient at a Minnesota hospital has been charged with murder following a fatal attack on a security guard on Christmas Day, according to prosecutors.
Jonathan Winch, 35, allegedly assaulted Andrea Merrell, 43, as she attempted to prevent his escape from M Health Fairview Lakes Hospital in Wyoming on Thursday night. The details come from a criminal complaint reviewed by KARE 11.
Merrell was discovered unresponsive and succumbed to her injuries two days later.
A spokesperson for M Health Fairview expressed condolences, stating, “Andrea was a valued member of our security team. Our thoughts are with her loved ones and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time.” The statement emphasized their commitment to supporting the staff during this challenging period.
Prosecutors reported that surveillance videos depicted Winch, who was shirtless, struggling with officers in the parking lot around 5:30 p.m. before being restrained and punched.
When backup arrived, Merrell lay seriously injured and unconscious. Court documents indicate that Winch attempted to access a patrol vehicle and even jumped onto its windshield.
Despite officers repeatedly instructing him to comply, Winch continued to resist, eventually being taped to the ground while shouting, “I didn’t mean to hurt her,” prior to his arrest.
The reasons behind Winch’s hospitalization and whether he was under a medical hold remain unclear.
The Ramsey County coroner identified head trauma from the assault as the cause of Merrell’s death, KARE reported.
Merrell was remembered fondly by friends for her warm personality and passionate service as a reserve officer with the White Bear Police Department and Fire Department. “She was the kindest person,” her friend Hels Miller recalled, noting how easily she connected with people.
Pam Heaton, another friend, reflected on Merrell’s engaging nature, saying, “I think most people knew her because she would sit down and have a conversation with everyone there and just make them feel safe and feel welcome. She was supposed to be our lifelong friend and that was taken from us.”
Currently, Winch faces charges of second-degree murder and is held on $2 million bail. Reports indicate he has been ordered to undergo a mental competency evaluation while in custody.
Winch is set to return to court on January 27th.
