A Minnesota man is facing a second-degree murder charge after prosecutors say he brutally assaulted a hospital security guard while attempting to flee an emergency department on Christmas Day, leaving the guard with fatal injuries, as reported by The New York Post.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by KARE 11, Jonathan Winch, 35, was being held on a medical hold at M Health Fairview Lakes Hospital in Wyoming, Minnesota, on Thursday, Dec. 25.

Prosecutors allege Winch attempted to escape the emergency department at approximately 5:30 p.m. and attacked hospital security outside the building.

Hospital security guard dies from injuries sustained in Christmas assault, suspect in custody

Wyoming PD identified the suspect on Saturday as Jonathan Winch, 35, of Chisago City, and said he is currently being held at the Chisago County Jail.https://t.co/RlpHbqipnJ— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) December 28, 2025

The victim, Andrea Merrell, 43, was working the Christmas night shift when surveillance footage allegedly captured Winch, shirtless at the time, fighting with her in the hospital parking lot.

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Court documents state that Winch pinned Merrell to the ground and repeatedly struck her.

Merrell was found unresponsive at the scene when backup arrived. She was critically injured and unconscious, according to prosecutors.

Authorities said Winch then attempted to enter Merrell’s security vehicle before jumping onto the windshield of a responding squad car.

Despite repeated commands from officers, Winch allegedly continued to resist arrest. Prosecutors said he was eventually tased, but continued struggling with officers for several minutes.

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During the confrontation, Winch was heard shouting, “I didn’t mean to hurt her,” according to the criminal complaint cited by KARE 11.

Merrell was transported for medical treatment but died two days later from her injuries.

The Ramsey County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death a homicide, determining that she died from traumatic head injuries caused by physical assault.

“It’s unclear why Winch, of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, was in the hospital or placed on a medical hold,” the complaint stated.

M Health Fairview confirmed Merrell’s death in a statement to KARE 11.

“Andrea was a valued member of our security team, and our hearts are with her loved ones and coworkers during the incredibly difficult time,” the hospital said.

“We are focused on supporting our teams and ensuring they have the resources they need.”

Merrell was also reported to have served as a reserve police officer with the White Bear Police Department and as a firefighter. Friends described her as a familiar and reassuring presence at the hospital.

“She was the most kind-hearted soul,” Heather Miller told KARE 11.
“Anybody she came in contact with instantly loved her because she was just that kind of person.”

Pam Heaton, another close friend, said Merrell often spent time talking with hospital 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,” Heaton said.

“She was supposed to be our friend for her life, and that was taken away from us.”

Winch has been charged with second-degree murder and is currently being held on a $2 million bond, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.

Court records indicate he has also been ordered to undergo a mental competency evaluation while in custody.

He is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 27. The case remains under investigation.

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