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A hospital security guard was allegedly beaten to death at her workplace by a patient who officials said tried to flee the emergency department after being placed on a medical hold.
Jonathan Winch, 35, was charged with one count of second-degree homicide in connection with the death of 43-year-old Andrea Merrell at M Health Fairview Lakes Hospital in Wyoming, Minn., on Christmas Day, according to a Chisago County Attorney’s Office press release.
Surveillance video allegedly shows a shirtless Winch repeatedly striking Merrell as she lay on the ground after the security guard encountered him in the parking lot that evening, the release states, citing a criminal complaint.
“The footage depicts two individuals near the hospital security vehicle. The larger person wearing dark pants and no shirt was in a physical altercation with a smaller person. The smaller-framed person, Merrell, is ultimately observed to be on the ground, with the larger person, Winch, on top of Merrell…,” the release states.
When first responders arrived on the scene, they found Merrell unconscious with “severe head trauma, agonal breathing, and a very weak pulse,” CBS News reported, citing the criminal complaint.
According to the county attorney’s office, she was transported to Regions Hospital in St. Paul, where she was treated for her head injuries. She died two days later, with a medical examiner determining her death was caused by “traumatic head injuries due to physical assault.”
In a statement shared to social media on Saturday, Dec. 27, M Health Fairview Lakes Hospital remembered Merrell as a “valued member of our security team.”
“Our hearts are with her loved ones and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read. “We are focused on supporting our teams and ensuring they have the resources they need.”
Police arrested Winch at the scene after he allegedly jumped onto the security vehicle’s windshield and attempted to get inside, per the release. An officer then used a Taser device “to gain control and compliance of Winch” after he allegedly refused commands.
According to KARE 11, as Winch fought with a responding officer trying to detain him, he said, “I didn’t mean to hurt her.”
Authorities did not share a possible motive for the violence.
Loved ones have since created an online fundraiser to help support Merrell’s family in the wake of her death.
“I’m still shocked. I’m still in denial,” Merrell’s friend, Pam Heaton, told the Minnesota Star Tribune. Another friend, Heather Miller, described Merrell as tough and strong, adding that she “liked to help people.”
It’s unclear if Winch has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.
At his initial hearing on Dec. 29, bail was set at $2 million, and the court ordered a competency examination to be completed while Winch remains in custody, per the county attorney’s office.
