Minnesota Hospital Security Guard’s Alleged Killer Faces Murder Charge
A hospital security guard in Minnesota was tragically killed following an alleged assault by a patient on Christmas Day. The assailant, 35-year-old Jonathan Winch, now faces a second-degree murder charge in connection with the incident.
Incident Details
The altercation occurred at M Health Fairview Lakes Hospital in Wyoming, Minnesota. Winch reportedly fled the emergency department after being placed on a medical hold. Surveillance footage allegedly shows him attacking the security guard, identified as 43-year-old Andrea Merrell.
- Date of incident: December 25
- Victim: Andrea Merrell
- Suspect: Jonathan Winch
- Location: M Health Fairview Lakes Hospital
Assault and Response
Upon arrival, first responders found Merrell suffering from severe head trauma and weak vital signs. She was transported to Regions Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries two days later. The Ramsey County medical examiner attributed her death to traumatic head injuries from the physical attack.
Winch’s Arrest
After the incident, Winch attempted to enter a hospital security vehicle. When approached by police, he reportedly jumped onto the officer’s car windshield, prompting the officer to use a Taser in an effort to subdue him. Winch then allegedly resisted arrest and claimed, “I didn’t mean to hurt her.”
Additional officers arrived, leading to Winch’s arrest after a struggle lasting approximately five minutes. If convicted of second-degree murder, Winch faces a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.
Community and Family Reactions
Friends and colleagues of Merrell expressed their grief over her loss. David Velasquez, a close friend, described her as a dedicated public servant who was passionately committed to her role. In a statement, Fairview recognized Merrell as a “valued member of our security team” and pledged cooperation with law enforcement throughout the investigation.
