Overview
- Prosecutors say Jonathan Chet Winch, 35, left the emergency department despite a medical hold before the parking-lot assault outside M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming, Minnesota.
- Hospital security footage cited in the complaint allegedly shows Winch on top of security guard Andrea Merrell, appearing to swing and strike at her.
- Merrell, 43, suffered severe head trauma and died two days later at Regions Hospital; the Ramsey County medical examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by traumatic head injuries from a physical assault.
- Responding officers reported a prolonged struggle in which Winch jumped onto a squad car windshield, ignored commands, was Tased, and was ultimately detained.
- If convicted of second-degree murder in Minnesota, Winch faces a maximum sentence of 40 years, and M Health Fairview says it is supporting staff and cooperating with investigators.